"Stand Tall, Stand Together: Unite Against Bullying!"

Bullying remains a significant concern in today's schools, impacting both the immediate well-being and long-term mental health of students. According to a 2021 report by the National Center for Educational Statistics, about 20% of students aged 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide. This prevalent issue affects not only the victims, who may suffer from increased rates of depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of suicidal ideation but also the educational environment as a whole. Schools with high rates of bullying show lower academic achievement, leading to a detrimental impact on overall student performance and school ratings. Moreover, the rise of digital platforms has expanded the scope of bullying, with cyberbullying affecting around 15% of high school students, exacerbating the problem by extending harassment beyond school hours and into safe spaces like homes.

We Must Act Now!

Prompts

1. “After all there are no innocent bystanders.” ― William S. Burroughs. How do you understand this quote?

2. How do cultural norms and societal expectations influence bullying behavior? Are there cultural practices that either prevent or encourage bullying?

3. How does bullying differ in various environments, such as in schools, online, or in the community?

4. Share a personal story or experience with bullying and how it affected you or someone you know.

All candidates must answer one of these questions via writing, speech, or artwork.

Entry Requirements

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Candidates must be 20 years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline.

Key Dates​​

Submission deadline: EST 11:59 PM on 15th September 2024

Short-listed candidates will be notified on 1st October 2024

Winners will be announced on 15th October 2024

Awards
Each major category will award one Grand Prize, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Short-list. The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of $150 or 1000 RMB.

Prompts 

1. Compare and contrast cyberbullying with traditional bullying. Which do you think has a more significant impact, and why?

All candidates must answer one of these questions in writing.

Entry Requirements

Entry is open to students from any country and any school. Candidates must be 15 years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline.

Key Dates​​

Submission deadline: EST 11:59 PM on 15th September 2024

Short-listed candidates will be notified on 1st October 2024

Winners will be announced on 15th October 2024

Awards
This competition will award one Grand Prize, First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and Honorable Mention(Shortlisted). The Grand Prize winner will receive a $150 or 1000 RMB cash prize.