BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Bullying is an issue that has proven tough to solve and prevent. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and educating communities as best as possible to try and stop bullying. Parents Lead, a North Dakota program administered by Health and Human Services (HHS), is offering some advice to help parents, caregivers, and professionals recognize and address bullying effectively. Parents Lead provides tools, resources, and strategies for families to foster open, positive conversations about bullying, and prepare their children to stand up for themselves and others. "By promoting kindness and inclusion, parents can help their children prevent bullying behaviors and build communities where bullying simply doesn’t belong," said Sara Kapp, administrator of Parents Lead. Gov. Burgum invites public to eighth annual Recovery Reinvented Parents play a critical role in preventing bullying and supporting children who may be impacted by it. Here are some steps parents can take: Talk openly about bullying: Discuss what bullying is and the importance of kindness and standing up for others. Recognize the signs: Watch for changes in behavior, such as unexplained injuries, avoiding social situations, or declines in school performance. Encourage positive activities: Involve children in activities that build confidence and help them make friends. Teach safe responses: Help children practice calm, assertive ways to respond to bullying and seek help from trusted adults. Address cyberbullying: Teach children about online safety, including privacy settings and reporting harmful behavior. Model kindness: Demonstrate to your children how to treat others with respect and empathy. Parents Lead offers many free resources to help families create supportive home environments and prevent bullying. Here are some of the resources they offer: Conversation starters to help parents talk to their children about bullying Warning signs that may indicate a child is experiencing bullying Tips for responding to cyberbullying and protecting kids online Guidance for professionals working with children and families on recognizing and addressing behavioral concerns To learn more about these resources, visit parentslead.org or follow Parents Lead on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW