Hot Topic: Bullying Prevention

Quick Facts

The following are facts obtained from organizations experienced with studying the Bullying phenomenon. Some of these may surprise you.

·   As many as ½ of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are bullied on a regular basis. (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2001)

·   A study done in the Toronto school systems showed that a bullying act took place on school grounds, and in other supervised areas of the school, every 7 minutes. Teachers were aware of only 4% of these incidents. (Voices for Children, 2002)

·   Bullies come in all ages, sizes, races, religions, and in both genders. (Teen Advice, 2002)

·    Males tend to be bullied more frequently than females. (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development-NICHD, 2001)

·   Girls are more likely to bully with words, while boys most often resort to physical attacks. Because of this, reports of girls bullying often get ignored. (Teen Advice, 2002)

·   Bullying can contribute to long term mental health problems in both the bully and the victim. (The Family Centre, 2002)

·    Those who bully and are bullied appear to be at greater risk of experiencing loneliness, trouble making friends, lack of success at school, depression, and involvement with smoking and drinking. (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention-OJJDP, 2001)

·    Studies done in Norway and Sweden show that 60% of males that were bullies in grades 6-9 were convicted of at least 1 crime as adults, compared with 23% of males who did not bully; 35-40% of these former bullies had 3 or more convictions by age 24, compared with 10% of those who did not bully. (OJJDP, 2001)

Myths About Bullying

The Family Centre has compiled a list of a few common myths about bullying that everyone should be made aware of. They are as follows:

1. Bullying is a normal part of childhood and adolescence and is relatively harmless.

2. Bullies outgrow their aggressive behavior.

3. Only boys bully.

4. The only way to stop bullying is to teach the victim to fight back.

5. Bullying only happens in isolated, out of the way areas such as alleys or ravines.

Why do People Become Bullies?

A bully can be anyone. They can be big, small, rich, or poor. It does not matter. The fact is that there are usually reasons behind why children are bullies. Bullies may have been victims of bullying at some time. It is a control and power issue. Sometimes the only way kids think they can get that control/power is to bully. Many times bullies are suffering from low self-esteem and they take their anger out on others. Bullies want to be admired and looked up to, so they act tough. In many cases, bullying is a cry for help (Teens 101, 2002). The adults in a bully’s life need to step up and acknowledge that this is not acceptable and recognize that he/she needs help. Bullying can not and should not ever be ignored or tolerated in any way.

Prevention: What Can You Do?

It is the responsibility of all concerned adults to encourage and support the development of attitudes and behaviors in children and teens that will lead to a healthy social dynamic among young people (The Family Centre, 2002). The following are ways in which teachers, parents and other responsible adults can prevent and/or reduce the prevalence of bullying.

• One needs to adopt a pro-active policy for dealing with all forms of bullying. This means taking action and letting it be known to all children that it is wrong to bully.

• Reassure victims that it is not their fault. They did nothing wrong.

• Support all children and encourage healthy self-esteem.

• Create a safe climate for open communication. Let students know that they can talk to you about anything.

• Teach children preventive tactics like reporting aggressive, abusive behavior and staying near supervisors and friends.

• Become adept at intervening in bullying activities. Respond quickly and consistently.

• School personnel must provide information on the difference between reporting and ‘tattling’. Reporting must become a part of the school culture.

• ALL school personnel must receive information on the long term effects of unchecked bullying.

• Be aware of how children handle aggression, as well as paying attention to whether a student is overly aggressive.

• Ensure adequate supervision for all ages.

• Never ignore bullying activity.

• If all else fails, seek professional help for the child.

     Source: The Family Centre, 2002