Unity Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Bullying

Every year on the third or fourth Wednesday in October, a very special event occurs: the Day of Unity, or Unity Day, as it is commonly known. This year, the Day of Unity is observed on Wednesday, October 18th. This is the highlight of National Bullying Prevention Month, which is also observed in October. Several anti-bullying campaigns, including Unity Day, are organised during this time period. To prevent student bullying, the central message of this month and this day is to unite for compassion, courage, and inclusion.

The background of Unity Day

If you believe that bullying is exclusive to certain cultures or civilizations, you’re mistaken! Bullying is not merely a ‘human’ concept; animals also engage in such behaviour. This lamentable trend has existed since hunter-gatherers roamed the Earth and is sadly all too prevalent throughout the world today. Likewise, the effects are the same everywhere. Even a study that spanned multiple countries demonstrated that bullying and its effects were widespread worldwide. While the study revealed variations in the targeted individuals, bullying was never entirely absent.

Scientists believe that this tendency to coerce, intimidate, or injure others is likely the result of evolution and not a specific culture. Once upon a time, man had to contend for everything, and this mentality persists today.

People have always pondered the motivations behind this behaviour, thus the prevalence of bullying research. These were sporadic, however, until the 1978 study by Dan Olweus. After observing the overt behaviour of schoolchildren, he defined bullying as ‘physical harm.’ Indirect forms of harassment did not appear in his description. His research provided a solid foundation for others to investigate bullying, including educators, psychologists, sociologists, and criminologists.

Since the time of Olweus, the definition of bullying has expanded to encompass more covert forms of oppression, such as verbal abuse and social exclusion. Once viewed as a normal part of growing up, bullying is now recognised as a social problem that must be addressed; attitudes are shifting.

Initially, the PACER Centre in Minnesota advocated for individuals with disabilities. These gentlemen understood the significance of anti-bullying campaigns in fostering a sense of safety and security among schoolchildren. The National Bullying Prevention Centre was established in 2006, followed by the National Bullying Prevention Month campaign in 2011. PACER’s anti-bullying campaign relies heavily on Unity Day. On this day, individuals in cyberspace, schools, and communities rise up against bullying. PACER’s slogan has been updated to reflect “Together against bullying. United for generosity, tolerance, and inclusion.” They intend to increase the emphasis on positive behaviours that reduce discrimination and improve school and online environments.

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Five HARSH FACTS ABOUT BULLYING

According to the National Centre for Education Statistics, one in five pupils aged 12 to 18 have been bullied at school, with verbal harassment and social harassment being the most common forms of bullying.

In addition to numerous celebrities speaking out against bullying of any kind, the entire ensemble of “The View” (2018) has supported this day, from Ellen DeGeneres to Anderson Cooper.

Disney/ABC Family, Cartoon Network, and others frequently collaborate with PACER for the month-long campaigns, bringing attention to this day and its cause.

While competing for resources, females gang up on weaker females, causing them to manifest stress symptoms and have less reproductive success than their higher-ranking group mates.

According to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Centre, peer intervention on behalf of the victim can halt bullying in approximately 57% of all cases.

DAY OF UNITY DATES