Chances are, most people reading this know a child who has stayed home from school this week simply because they were afraid of being bullied – but they may not realize it. It is estimated that an average of 160,000 students each day around the country stay home out of fear of being bullied. Yet many adults, for a variety of reasons, have no idea that the bullying is taking place.

“Children may avoid speaking up about being bullied, which really just helps to perpetuate it,” explains Peter J. Goodman, author of the book “We’re All Different But We’re All Kitty Cats.” “It is important for teachers and parents to know that bullying is taking place so that they can try to address it, but sometimes it is difficult for them to find out that it is happening in the first place.”

Bullying is not only a problem that is becoming more familiar to people, but it is also one that young children are having to deal with on a regular basis. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reports that direct, physical bullying increases throughout elementary school and peaks in middle school, while verbal abuse remains constant. They also report that school and peer factors play a big role in facts that contribute to bullying, making it crucial that schools play a role in helping to create a bully-free foundation.

“When it comes to creating a bully-free environment, early intervention is the key to success,” explains Peter J. Goodman, author of the book “We’re All Different But We’re All Kitty Cats," which teaches kids about bullying. “It is important to start laying the foundation for a bully-free classroom and school right from the start. By doing this, they will be more likely to use what they have learned as they grow.”

The following information was sent to us by DC Public Schools:

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) welcomed back thousands of students across the city for the 2012-2013 school year that started on August 27th.  While official enrollment numbers won’t be available until later this fall, DCPS is on track for a positive and productive year that will include modernized facilities across the district, new math standards and curriculum, innovation and technology and improved instruction. These improvements and efforts all come under the strategic direction of A Capital Commitment, DCPS’ five-year, bold plan to improve the school district.