October is Bullying Prevention Month, and we must focus not only on awareness but also on providing parents with actionable solutions to keep their children safe. I want to highlight one option that often gets overlooked: online learning. Traveling the country, I’ve heard so many stories from countless families on why they chose a virtual school, some heartwarming and others incredibly sad. For many families, the choice to transition to virtual education is driven by a singular concern—bullying. A recent poll by Parents for School Options revealed that a staggering 87% of parents rated their concerns about bullying as a 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 5. This statistic speaks volumes about the urgent need for alternatives that safeguard our children’s well-being.

Bullying is not just a rite of passage; it is a serious issue that can have lasting impacts on a child’s mental and emotional health. Traditional school environments can be breeding grounds for harassment, where victims may feel trapped and powerless. In contrast, online learning offers a vital refuge, allowing students to escape the toxic environments that can stifle their potential. It also gives parents greater insight into their child’s educational experience, and how they interact with their peers. 

Sadly, bullying is at the top of the list for many. Safety concerns emerged as a significant motivation for why families choose virtual schooling, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, with 87% of parents giving bullying concerns a 4 or 5 rating. Today, 20% of all students, or 1 in 5 ages 12-18, experience bullying. Stopbullying.gov said suicidal behavior can occur when a child is consistently bullied because it leads to feelings of isolation, rejection, despair and anxiety. 

It should be noted that threats of violence, in general, are also an increasing problem in brick-and-mortar schools. In the weeks following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, over 700 children across the nation have been accused of or arrested for making violent threats in at least 45 states, according to the National Criminal Justice Association.  

As a parent who personally witnessed bullying in my own school growing up, I understand why online learning prevents so much of this behavior. Bullying rarely occurs in the actual classroom. The transition times between classes, the lunch period, and the walk or bus ride home from school create bullying opportunities. These poorly monitored times in a student’s day don’t exist in online learning, greatly reducing the opportunities for a student to be bullied. Instead, that time is replaced with more learning time, or safely-monitored organized time, which is a win-win for students.

Online learning also fosters a different kind of learning environment—one that emphasizes inclusivity and respect. In virtual classrooms, students can engage with peers in a more controlled setting, which can lead to healthier interactions. Teachers can implement anti-bullying curricula more effectively, and students have the opportunity to build connections based on shared interests rather than social hierarchies that can often fuel bullying.

It’s also worth noting that online schools can provide specialized support systems tailored to the unique needs of each student. The online school my daughter attends offers students a plethora of resources, including counselors that can help students navigate their educational and social experiences. By addressing these issues head-on, we can create a more compassionate and supportive learning environment.

As we observe Bullying Prevention Month, let us advocate for solutions that empower our children and create safe learning environments. Online education is more than just an alternative; it is a powerful tool in the fight against bullying. We owe it to our children to explore every avenue that can help them thrive without fear. Let’s embrace this opportunity and stand together to make a difference. After all, every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued.

Letrisha Weber is the president of Parents for School Options. Find out more here: parentsforschooloptions.org.