Bullying

Did you know about 20% of students ages 12-18 experience bullying nationwide? Students ages 12–18 who reported being bullied said they thought those who bullied them:

• Had the ability to influence other students’ perception of them (56%).

• Had more social influence (50%).

• Were physically stronger or larger (40%).

Bullying in Schools

• Bullying happens everywhere around us. It‘s even happening in places we don’t see. The following percentages of students ages 12-18 had experienced bullying in various places at school:

  • Hallway or stairwell (43.4%)

  • Classroom (42.1%)

  • Cafeteria (26.8%)

  • Outside on school grounds (21.9%)

  • Online or text (15.3%)

  • Bathroom or locker room (12.1%)

  • Somewhere else in the school building (2.1%)

Most times teachers and adults are unaware of the bullying that is occurring. Approximately 46% of students ages 12-18 who were bullied during the school year notified an adult at school about being bullied. The teachers were not informed of the other 54% as the students remained silent.

Cyberbullying

According to the article, 15% of students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year were bullied online or by text. In the day and age of social media SO much is said and done behind a screen, but unfortunately most of the time no one speaks out about it. This is due to countless reasons : the victim is too nervous to stand up for themself,; they are worried about how the other person who is doing the bullying will retaliate; and social image for example.

Types of Bullying

• Students ages 12-18 experienced various types of bullying, including:

  • Being the subject of rumors or lies (13.4%)

  • Being made fun of, called names, or insulted (13.0%)

  • Pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on (5.3%)

  • Leaving out/exclusion (5.2%)

  • Threatened with harm (3.9%)

  • Others tried to make them do things they did not want to do (1.9%)

  • Property was destroyed on purpose (1.4%)

Every single day you are given a voice and an opportunity to do the right thing. It’s up to you as to how you will use your voice. If you see someone acting in the wrong or inappropriately, say something. If you are the victim , don’t be afraid to tell a trusted adult. At times you may be caught up in the moment. The goal is not to be just another statistic, but to be the one person, the one “number” to put an end to the bullying. So stand up and be brave, because you words and voice can change everything!

To find out more information about bullying check out- https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts#_Fast_Facts