Homecoming should be about pep rallies, pictures, and pride—not exclusion or intimidation. As dances and games fill calendars across metro Atlanta—from Alpharetta to Cumming—families can use this moment to raise awareness and build real safety skills. October is national bullying prevention, and this month-long campaign is a timely reminder that small, consistent actions at home and school can prevent bullying before it derails a student’s year.
What bullying looks like during Homecoming season
Bullying isn’t only shoves in a hallway. It can show up as group chats that mock outfits, “joke” votes in spirit-week polls, or pressure to share photos. Across student ages and grade levels, many teens have reported being bullied by peers they still see every day—on buses, in lunchrooms, and online. Watch for sudden changes in mood, avoidance of events, or secrecy around phones. If your child says, “It was just a prank,” lean in; minimizing is common when teens feel embarrassed.
A simple three-step plan for parents
1) Normalize talking early. At dinner or in the car, say: “If anyone makes you or a friend feel unsafe this week, you can tell me. We’ll figure it out together.” This makes disclosure easier when it counts.
2) Rehearse responses. Quick scripts help freeze-proof kids:
- “Not cool—please stop.”
- “That’s a rumor; I’m not sharing.”
- “I’m leaving this chat.”
Practice tone and posture; confident body language reduces targeting.
3) Set digital boundaries. Create a temporary Homecoming phone plan: private accounts, no reposting without consent, and screenshots saved if harassment appears. Agree on who to tell at school if lines are crossed.
Partner with your Metro Atlanta school
Reach out to advisors, coaches, and counselors about event expectations and reporting pathways. Ask where students can go during the dance if they need a reset (quiet room, counselor table). When schools and families coordinate, students see that adults take safety seriously and will act to prevent bullying quickly and respectfully.
Center kindness, acceptance, and inclusion
Make this week a showcase for kindness acceptance and inclusion: invite a new classmate to the game, hype a friend’s outfit, or start a “sit with us” plan at lunch. Encourage your teen to be a quiet upstander—changing the subject, walking with a peer to class, or messaging, “I’m sorry that happened. I’m here.” These small moves are powerful culture-setters during bullying prevention month.
If your child is targeted—or involved
If your child discloses harm, thank them. Document dates, messages, and witnesses. Loop in school staff early and ask for a safety plan that protects your student without escalating social fallout. If your child participated in unkind behavior, address it directly and collaboratively with the school. Accountability and empathy can live together—and both are essential for growth.
When extra support helps
Bullying can intensify anxiety, sleep problems, or school refusal. Counseling offers coping tools, communication skills, and a calm place to process feelings. Therapy also helps repair peer trust after a public incident and teaches repair strategies if your teen made a mistake.
We’re here for families in Metro Atlanta
At Focus Forward Counseling & Consulting, we support teens and parents navigating school stress, social media conflicts, and bullying dynamics with compassionate, practical care. If Homecoming season has become heavy—or your teen is avoiding school—let’s talk.
This October, let’s celebrate National Bullying Prevention Month by making Homecoming safe, joyful, and inclusive—for every student, in every section of the stands.