Every one of us went through school to some degree, and a fair amount of us probably went through high school as well. At the very least, you've known a teenager and seen how the younger generation has a tendency to tear across social media when they're unhappy.

Bullying is extremely prevalent in our society, and it's truly so heartbreaking. I grew up in California and experienced it both personally and indirectly on a largely consistent scale almost the entire time I was in school.

Coincidentally, California was deemed the number one worse state for bullying in a Wallet Hub study.

However, I live in Colorado now. There are several reasons I love this state, but one huge difference is the fact that Colorado is one of the states with the lowest amount of bullying.

I eventually want to raise a family here, so having confidence that my future kids will be better taken care of and have an environment that fosters self-confidence is incredibly encouraging.

In the U.S., the leading cause of death for teens and young adults ages 15- to 24-years-old is suicide, according to Suicide Awareness Voices for Education.

In the Wallet Hub study, Colorado came in third for the best state when it comes to low levels of bullying. It fell just behind Massachusetts and Vermont in the overall assessment.

In order to further improve Colorado's standing when it comes to bullying, as well as other states across the United States, there are highly suggested ways to combat toxic environments and interactions for kids.

According to John S. Carlson, Ph.D., professor at Michigan State University, there are a few things on the state level that governments can do to prevent bullying.

  • School safety programming
  • Social-emotional learning curriculum
  • Investment in public preschools and K-12 education
  • Positive behavior interventions and supports
  • Mental health supports in schools
  • Training teachers about mental health
  • Training everyone on the impact bullying has on health and wellness

It's a team effort to continue to combat the prevalence and effects of bullying, but it's something that statewide and in your own household can and should be addressed.

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