The American Association of Orthodontists and Stand for the Silent launched the Bullying Bites campaign on October 1 to raise awareness during National Bullying Prevention Month.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) launched its annual Bullying Bites campaign on October 1 in partnership with Stand for the Silent. The effort coincides with National Bullying Prevention Month and National Orthodontic Health Month, offering orthodontists an opportunity to address bullying in their practices throughout October.
October Campaign Underway
The campaign invites orthodontists and staff to participate by wearing orange on Unity Day, October 22, and distributing pledge cards and educational materials available through the AAO. More than a dozen landmarks and buildings in the U.S. and Canada will be lit orange during the month, including The Parthenon in Nashville and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
Orthodontic offices, which see school‑aged patients on a regular basis, are positioned to reinforce messages about safety and kindness. AAO encourages practices to use this routine contact to promote the campaign’s message and create supportive environments for children and teens.
Leadership Encourages Participation
“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.”
“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.”
Ways to Support the Effort
Orthodontic professionals can download campaign materials or contribute to the AAO Foundation’s Gifted Smiles program, which provides treatment for children without access to care. Offices may also support Stand for the Silent’s school assembly programs. Additional information is available at aaoinfo.org.
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