This is Safe Schools week and I want to talk about bullying. The CDC defines bullying as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times. It results in physical, psychological, social, or educational harm on the targeted youth.
National statistics reveal 20% of youth experience bullying and ¾ of those also report being cyberbullied. The CDC reports youth who report any involvement with bullying behavior are more likely to report high levels of suicide-related behavior.
Bullying includes:
- being the subject of rumors,
- name calling,
- Being Pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on
- being excluded,
- being threatened,
- being forced to do what you don’t want to do, or
- purposeful destruction of property.
The American pediatric association reports bullying impacts some demographics in higher numbers.
- For instance, nearly 40% of high school students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual report being bullied as compared to 22% of heterosexual high school students.
- 30% of female high school students report being bullied as opposed to 19% of males,
- Bullying is a mental health issue. The CDC reports that youth who report any involvement with bullying behavior are more likely to report high levels of suicide-related behavior.
Bullying can happen anywhere. It is one person utilizing power and control over another in a malevolent way. Studies show that adults can help prevent bullying by:
- talking to children about bullying,
- encouraging students to get involved in positive activities.
- And by modeling kindness, respect, and how to seek help.
Bystanders, or those who see bullying, can make a huge difference when they intervene on behalf of someone being bullied. Over the course of life, people who bully others often have trouble adapting to adulthood. If you suspect your child is bullying others, it's important to seek help for him or her as soon as possible.
The American Pediatric Association has these suggestions for adults to help victims of bullying,
- Talk to victims about what they think should be done.
- Ask your school for help
- Don't encourage the victim to fight back. Instead, suggest they walk away or get help from an adult.
- Help The student practice what-to-say-to-the- bully so he or she will be prepared the next time.
- practice being assertive and find ways to stay in groups with supportive friends, so the victim is not isolated.
If you suspect your child may be the victim of bullying ask him or her to tell you what's going on. Then listen intently and demonstrate empathy. You can help by providing lots of opportunities for them to talk with you in an open and honest way.
If you are a student experiencing bullying, please reach out for help. Adults, we have the power to make a positive difference, let’s make sure we do.
Jerry Strausbaugh, EdD, LPCCS, Executive Director
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts#_Definition_of_Bullying
https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts#_Definition_of_Bullying
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Bullying-080.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/fastfact.html
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Bullying-080.aspx
