ARLINGTON, VA — October 3, 2011 — The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have joined forces to launch the Stop Bullying Now! campaign in DoDEA Schools.

Bullying is a widespread and serious problem across our nation. It's what happens when someone repeatedly hurts or threatens another person on purpose. Bullying comes in many forms—name calling, leaving people out, spreading rumors or physically hurting someone. It's what happens when someone repeatedly hurts or threatens another person on purpose.

"DoDEA is firmly committed to providing all students with a safe and supportive learning environment," said Marilee Fitzgerald, Acting Director of DoDEA. "As we begin the new school year, we are joining forces with the Department of HHS and the U.S. Department of Education to make bullying prevention a top priority."

Fitzgerald added that every child is entitled to feel safe in the classroom, in the hallway and on playgrounds and buses.

The HHS campaign "Stop Bullying Now! Take a Stand. Lend a Hand," will help unify efforts and build a common understanding of, and expectations for, DoDEA's commitment and action to prevent bullying. The materials - posters, websites, videos and handouts -- will complement existing bullying prevention programs in DoDEA schools.

"We are proud to partner with Department of Defense Education Activity to provide Stop Bullying Now! campaign resources for military schools and communities," said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Bullying is not an education problem or a health problem - it is a community problem. And we are committed to working together at the federal level to help communities, schools, and families address it as one."

"Bullying, verbal harassment, and cyber-bullying interfere with a student's ability to learn and we must work together to eliminate bullying and harassing behavior," Fitzgerald said. "Together we can make our schools safe places to learn, grow and thrive."

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for Department of Defense (DoD) dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality, public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, the United States, Cuba, Guam and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.

For more information on HHS' efforts on bullying please visit www.stopbullying.gov or www.dodea.edu/stopbullying.