The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) celebrate National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day May 3, 2011. 

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is a key strategy of "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health", which is part of the Public Awareness and Support Strategic Initiative by SAMHSA.

The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health and promote positive mental health as essential to a child's development from birth.

This year, the national theme will focus on building resilience in young children dealing with trauma from disasters, family separation, or violence.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published recently in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report, says Massachusetts middle and high school students who are bullies, victims of bullies, or both (bully-victims) are more likely to report violence at home by a family member.

Those teens also report witnessing violence in their families more than students not involved in bullying.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says the health and family environment for students involved in bullying are substantially worse than for those who are not involved in bullying.

According to the US department of Health and Human Services, people who are bullied have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. In one study, adults who recalled being bullied in their youth were 3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations.

Additional Resources: 

Stop Bullying Now! Rhode Island 
Rhode Island - proposed statewide policy to address cyber bullying.