October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Researchers have concluded that bullying is the most common form of violence, affecting millions of American children and adolescents a year.

Children and adults with developmental disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers. Targets of bullying are more likely to acquire physical, emotional and learning problems and students who are repeatedly bullied often fear such activities as riding the bus, going to school and attending community activities.

“My adult special education students understand what bullying is and many have experienced it firsthand,” said Lori Nelson, 18 to 21-year-old  instructor at Albert Lea Area Schools. “We believe that everyone is different but we are all equal. They work hard to be friendly to everyone and do not want to see anyone being bullied.”

Albert Lea’s schools, students, parents, recreation programs, religious institutions and community organizations are encouraged to engage in a variety of awareness and prevention activities designed to make the communities safer for all children and adolescents.

Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. will read the proclamation at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at the city council meeting.