Austin ISD launches tip line during National Bullying Prevention Month

To mark National Bullying Prevention Month, Austin ISD is launching a tip line and encouraging staff and students across the district to wear orange Oct. 9 in support of students who have experienced bullying.

Bullying in AISD can now be reported to the school district's police department tip line at 512-499-TIPS.

"This is a great opportunity to remind students and families how to report bullying and what peers can do to help if they witness bullying," AISD ombudsman Beverly Reeves said in a news release.

AISD is also encouraging students, staff and the community to kick off the month-long awareness campaign by recognizing Unity Day on Oct. 9. At Walnut Creek Early College Prep Academy, students will wear orange and are designing T-shirts as part of the school's "Take a stand, lend a hand" campaign, according to Mycah Arellano, AISD parent support specialist and host of the district's new program The Eagle Talk Show.

"This [bullying] epidemic has impacted every child in every walk of life in our community," he said, noting students in Austin have been bullied about sexual orientation, obesity and learning disabilities. "It's so key that as a community, we need to engage and educate our students and parents that this is something that needs to be taken seriously."

He said bullying prevention will be a topic of focus on a future episode of The Eagle Talk Show, and Walnut Creek plans to host classes to educate parents about bullying prevention at its campus. Arellano said he is encouraging other campuses and local business to speak out about the issue.

AISD will continue its ongoing "Respect for All" initiative working with staff members and community partners to prevent harassment and to foster supportive settings for all students.