10 Shocking Facts about Bullying and How to Get Help

10 Facts About Bullying And What You Can Do

Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behavior, observed or perceived imbalance of power, and it can be direct or indirect (not in the presence of a target, such as spreading rumors). There are 4 types of bullying: physical, verbal, relational (efforts to tarnish the reputation or relationships of a targeted person), and damage to property. We know that bullying happens in many places, including in our schools and it can be even worse online. The awareness of bullying is certainly increasing, but how much do we really know about bullying?

Below is a List Of 10 Facts About Bullying and Some Ways to Get Help:

  1. About 20% of all students ages 12-18 have experienced bullying.
  2. 19% of US students in grades 9-12 report being bullied at school within 12 months prior to being surveyed.
  3. Among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school, 15% were bullied online or via text.
  4. An estimated 14.9% of High School students have been bullied electronically within 12 months of being surveyed.
  5. About 46% of students ages 12-18 who were bullied at the school in the past year reported the bullying to an adult at the school.
  6. Bullying impacts all youth whether they’re the bully, the one being bullied, or witnessing the bullying.
  7. There is no one way a bully can look. Some bullies are well connected. Others are loners. Some bullies are bullied themselves.
  8. 13.4% of students 12-18 have been victims of rumors or lies.
  9. 13% of students 12-18 were made fun of, called names, or insulted.
  10. 3.9% of students 12-18 were threatened with harm.

Promising Bully Prevention Strategies

Preventing bullying in educational settings involves strategies from many angles and involves multiple people, such as bus drivers, nurses, cafeteria staff, administrative staff, front office staff, teachers, students, and parents/caregivers in creating a culture of respect. Zero tolerance and expulsion have not been shown to be effective approaches to this problem. So, what do we do about this problem?

What To Do About Bullying:

  • Talk with the youth in your life. Ask them if they have been a target of bullying. If they have, notify the school and encourage the youth to tell an adult at school if it persists. Most schools have a policy on bullying and can take action.
  • Let them know that you are there to support them and want to know if there is any bullying going on in their lives. Keep the lines of communication open.
  • Adults can prevent bullying by encouraging the youth in their lives to do what they love, model love and kindness, and to seek help if they are being bullied or know others who are being bullied.
  • If you notice major changes in a student’s life, including lowering of academic scores or attendance, differences in eating or sleeping patterns, isolation, health complaints, substance use, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy, seek help from a mental health professional. Our counselors and coaches are Crosswinds are here to help! 

 

Sources:
https://www.stopbullying.gov/media/facts/index.html#stats

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