AAO and Stand for the Silent encourage individuals to act against bullying

The campaign encourages everyone to take a stand against bullying by promoting a safe and healthy environment in and out of schools. October is both National Bullying Prevention Month and National Orthodontic Health Month, and to observe it, everyone is encouraged to wear orange this Unity Day, Oct. 22, and join in the effort to end bullying.

One in five students aged 12 to 18 experience bullying nationwide with an estimated 160,000 children missing school each day because of fear of an attack or intimidation by another student. Orthodontists are uniquely positioned to reinforce the importance of kindness as they meet with school-aged patients every six to eight weeks.

In spreading awareness about how "bullying bites," AAO is hopeful that it can decrease these numbers by helping young people feel confident and safe at school and online.

"Because the work of orthodontists ties us closely with children and families, AAO is able to raise awareness about bullying among those who are most impacted — children and their families," said Dr. Steven Siegel, president, AAO. "We love partnering with Stand for the Silent in support of all those who have been affected by bullying. We encourage our members, staff and the community to join us in wearing orange this Unity Day to raise awareness of this issue and take positive action to end bullying not just this October, but every day."

Beyond practices, AAO is lighting up more than a dozen monuments and landmarks in orange across the United States and Canada, including The Parthenon in Nashville, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, to raise awareness about bullying.

"Working with AAO again to raise awareness about the devastating effects that bullying can and does have is something that we have come to look forward to every year," said Kirk Smalley, president and co-founder, Stand for the Silent. "The work these amazing orthodontists do to help spread our message is critical to help end the bullying epidemic. Bullying impacts so many children every day it is important to reach people where we can."

Pledge cards and other materials will be available both in office and online, so that AAO members can challenge orthodontic patients and staff to commit to take a stand together against bullying.

AAO also invites those looking for a philanthropic way to support anti-bullying efforts to consider giving financial support to Gifted Smiles, a program founded by the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation (AAOF) that provides necessary orthodontic treatments to children of families who lack access to care.

Members can also choose to sponsor Stand for the Silent's efforts to provide educational assembly programs at schools nationwide.

Visit AAOInfo.org for more information and ways to get involved in the Bullying Bites campaign.

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