A typical day at Adair County High School is filled with conversations in the hallways, laughter in the cafeteria and students moving from one class to the next. But amid the noise and activity, it can be easy to overlook someone who feels left out.
As students, we spend our days surrounded by people. We know who our friends are, where we sit at lunch and who we pass in the hallway. But how often do we stop to notice the person standing just outside of the group?
October is Bullying Prevention Month, a time to recognize the impact bullying can have on students and the role everyone plays in creating a welcoming school environment. At Adair County High School, that responsibility extends beyond the classroom and into the everyday interactions students have with one another.
Bullying does not always happen through an obvious confrontation. It can appear in repeated insults, hurtful jokes, social media messages or the intentional exclusion of a classmate. Sometimes, the behavior goes unnoticed by adults, leaving students who witness it to decide whether they will speak up.
“Bullying doesn’t always mean comments or names, it can be physical or mental, or even being left out on purpose,” said Hallie Folden, an Adair County High School student.
One of the challenges in preventing bullying is recognizing when a situation has crossed the line from a joke or disagreement into behavior that hurts someone. What one person considers harmless may leave another feeling embarrassed, isolated or unwelcome.
School Counselor Britney Faulkner said students should pay attention to changes in their classmates’ behavior, which may indicate that something is wrong.
“If you notice that they’re not coming to school or that the attendance is dropping off...,” Faulkner said. Other signs may include a student who was once social becoming “more withdrawn and quiet” or someone who begins acting out or becoming more hostile.
Faulkner said a noticeable change in a student’s behavior could indicate bullying or another problem, even if the student has not spoken up about it.
That is why paying attention to the people around us matters. A simple invitation to join a group, a conversation with someone sitting alone or a willingness to stand beside a classmate can help create an environment where students feel included.
ACHS also emphasizes the message, “See Something, Say Something,” reminding students that witnessing a concerning situation is an opportunity to take action.
Faulkner said the message applies to bullying and other situations in which students may see something concerning, whether it happens at school or online.
“If you see people not being nice to other people or you see things posted online that you feel like isn’t right and you should share that,” Faulkner said, students should report it to someone who can help.
Students who witness bullying should tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher, counselor or administrator, rather than engaging in the behavior themselves. If intervening could be unsafe, Faulkner said students should avoid getting involved directly and report what they saw.
“I think one biggest thing is just always tell somebody, but two, don’t engage in it,” Faulkner said. “Don’t laugh, don’t interact with it, but always tell an adult.”
Even when students are unsure whether a situation qualifies as bullying, Faulkner encourages them to speak with an adult who can help determine what is happening.
“If you are unsure, you should tell an adult and let us kind of work through the process and see what’s going on,” she said.
Students can also check on a classmate privately if they are uncertain how the person feels about a comment or interaction. Faulkner said asking someone about their experience can help determine whether a joke was hurtful.
For students who witness bullying, deciding whether to intervene can be difficult. Fear of becoming a target themselves may keep some students from speaking up, even when they want to help.
“Students may be afraid to speak up because they may be bullied too, but standing up for others makes you feel good about yourself and helps them feel better, too,” said Sebastian Dovenbauger, an ACHS student.
Taking action does not always mean confronting someone directly. Checking on a classmate, offering support or reporting an incident to a trusted adult can help students stand up for others without putting themselves in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation.
Preventing bullying is not limited to one month of the school year or one day of being kind. It is reflected in the choices students make every day, from the comments they make in the hallway to the way they treat classmates who may not be part of their usual friend group.
Faulkner said students can make a difference through small, everyday acts of kindness.
“Smiling, I think, is big, and kindness is free,” Faulkner said. “It doesn’t cost anything. It doesn’t hurt anybody to just be nice to each other.”
Offering someone a seat at the lunch table, greeting a classmate in the hallway or making an effort to include someone in a conversation can help students feel that they belong.
No one can always know what another person is experiencing outside the classroom or what might be happening beneath the surface. But students can choose to be more aware of their surroundings, consider the impact of their words and take action when something is not right.
On October 21, Adair County High School will participate in Unity Day by encouraging students to wear orange in support of bullying prevention, kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Students and community members are also encouraged to wear orange and help spread the message that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome.
Students interested in promoting kindness at ACHS can also learn more about Sources of Strength, a club that focuses on welcoming others and encouraging a supportive school environment.
Whether it is a student wearing orange, a teacher encouraging kindness in the classroom or a community member showing support, every small action can help reinforce the importance of treating others with respect.
Unity Day is a reminder that standing against bullying takes more than one color or one day. It requires a commitment to looking out for others throughout the year.
Sometimes, making a difference begins with noticing. And when something is wrong, remember: See Something, Say Something.
