Bullying and How We Can Stop It

STORY BY REINA TINDLE, FNN REPORTER, TECH PREP BUREAU

JAN. 10, 2014.  Bullying is one of the biggest issues we face today in high school. About one in four kids in the U.S are bullied on a regular basis. Between cyberbullying and bullying at school, statistics illustrate a huge problem with bullying in the school system. Youth from grades six through ten are most likely to be involved in activities related to bullying. About 30% of students in the U.S are involved in bullying on a regular basis either as a victim, bully or both. These school statistics show how big a problem bullying has become.

Verbal bullying is the most common type with about 77 percent of all students being bullied verbally in some way or another including mental bullying or even verbal abuse. This type of bullying can also include spreading rumors, yelling obscenities or other derogatory terms. This can be based on an individual’s race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. Out of 77 % of those bullied, 14% have severe or bad reactions to the abuse, according to statistics. These students may experience poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety about going to school and even suicidal thoughts as a result of being bullied by their peers. Also, as a part of this study, about one in five students admit they are responsible for bullying their peers. Almost half of all students fear harassment or bullying in the bathroom at school. As a result of fear and anxiety, many students will make excuses or find ways around going to school.

Statistics also reveal that teens ages 12-17 believe they have seen violence increase in their schools. These numbers show that most violent altercations between students are more likely to occur on school grounds rather than on the way home.The most unfortunate part of these school bullying statistics is that in about 85% of bullying cases, no intervention or effort is made by a teacher, administrator or member of the school to stop the bullying from taking place. However, now that more and more schools are taking an active approach to cut down the number of students living in fear of being bullied, the numbers will go down.

So how can we help?

Send a clear message that bullying is not okay and will not be tolerated. When you see bullying occur, intervene or go tell an administrator or teacher. Befriend kids who are socially awkward and help them with their social skills. As a community we can teach each other and our elders how to treat each other with kindness and respect. We can show them that they are valued, respected and safe. One of the biggest things we can do is teach our peers and adults to be active bystanders who take positive action to stop and prevent bullying. As a community, we can stand together and overcome this issue and make our schools positive.

Reina Tindle is a junior at Friendship Tech Prep Academy.