Episode 42: No Name Calling Week

[00:00:00] Foreign hello there and welcome back to another episode of Just say Something's podcast. This week's episode is Something is about something that's very, very important. That's coming up later this month, January 20th through 25th. And it's no Name Calling Week. That's kind of tough to say, but it's no Name Calling Week. And so this is observed during the third week of January to educate students, teachers and the public on the harms of name calling. [00:00:51] Yeah, my mother invented this one. [00:00:55] People have been called unpleasant names for weight, height, appearance, intelligence, sexual orientation and other things that may have little or no control over. It's also known as bullying. [00:01:15] We hear a lot about that. Name calling can devastate its victims, leading in insecurity, shame and damaged self esteem. And in severe cases, the targets may withdraw socially or even experience suicidal thoughts or ideations. [00:01:42] No Name Calling Week was established in 2004 by K through 12 educators and students with Glenson's support and it aims to combat bullying through education about its harmful long term effects. [00:02:06] The James Howe's 2001 novel the Misfits follows for students who face bullying over their physical appearances and personalities. [00:02:18] After running for student council to challenge their tormentors, they lose the election but successfully petition their principal to establish a no Name Calling Day to combat bullying. [00:02:38] Name calling's impact extends beyond simple teasing. [00:02:43] Causes are causing real emotional harm, particularly when targeting immutable characteristics. [00:02:54] Films like The Duff from 2015 and Handsome Devil from 2016 illustrate these effects through characters facing appearance based and homophobic bullying. [00:03:11] Research shows the pervasiveness of this issue with 75% of elementary students reporting experiencing name calling and 65% of middle and high school students identify it as a serious concern. [00:03:34] So a couple of ways to observe no Name Calling day is join an anti bullying program. Participate in your school's educational initiatives during this week. [00:03:49] Another good way is to create awareness, make signs highlighting name callings, harmful effects and prevention strategies and then lead by example. Commit to eliminating name calling from your own behavior and encourage others to do the same. [00:04:12] Some of the facts about school bullying is one the most common type is verbal harassment, name calling, mockery, insults, prevalence. We're looking at 20% of US teens experience bullying and I'd be willing to bet that that's underreported. [00:04:36] Academic impact so important. Over 150,000 teens skipped school due to bullying and then academic effects. Bullied students typically achieve lower test scores and then social influence. Bullies can shape peers perceptions of their targets. [00:05:06] So why does no Name Calling weak matter, one reduces harmful behavior Raises awareness Raising awareness about name calling impact leads to decreased incidents. [00:05:28] Empowering victims provides support and optimism for those who experience bullying. [00:05:36] And then as we look at the broader impact, addresses multiple forms of bullying through educational programs and awareness initiatives. [00:05:50] So as we said, this particular no Name Calling Day is January 20th through 25th. [00:06:01] And keep up with our social media here. It just say something as we'll be putting different notices or different comments up regarding this particular day. This is a new phase for just say something and you'll be hearing about other days like this in the podcast to come. [00:06:24] So thanks again for joining us again. My name is Philip Clark, the director here at Just say Something and if you need anything, check us out. Hit us up on social media on Facebook or Instagram or give us a call at 864-67409. [00:06:45] Thanks again and have a great day.