Bullies and Victims: Defining the Problem
By the staff of Heartland Human Services
Bullying is a common problem found within our own communities, groups, and schools. Though it is observed throughout our life span, it tends to be the most common among middle school children; grades 5-8. A study by the National Center for Educational Statistics found a startling 77 percent of middle school and high school students in small mid-west towns said they have been a victim of bullying. Some studies have estimated up to 160,000 children skip school each day due to threats or fears intimidation. How many children do you know that have faked illness to stay home from school? Furthermore, how many of you remember doing so when you were a child? How do you think this will affect the education received in both public and private schools not to mention the negative consequences on self esteem and the development of character?
Bullying can be defined as a behavior intended to harm, repeatedly over time, in which there is an imbalance of power. Bullying takes on many forms, each one reflecting negative consequences for everyone involved. Physical bullying includes hitting, kicking, pushing, choking, and punching. Verbal bullying is when a person attacks with words; threatening, taunting, teasing, starting rumors, and hate speech. A form of bullying that is less commonly recognized is exclusion from activities. Though every child has the right to decide if they want or don’t want to play, children do not have a right to influence or coerce others from playing with a specific child. For example, “No one play with Matt;” “No one wants to be friends with him”; or “Don’t be friends with that person.” As technology develops further, a new form a bullying is surfacing: cyber-bullying. This is a recurring threat or defamation of character via electronic text including e-mail, chat rooms, instant messenger. Cyber-bullying is also defined by publishing personal information on websites or fraudulently pretending to be the victim and writing text in their name that is ridiculing or demeaning.
Bullying does not stop there. Bystanders play a critical role in both sustaining and alleviating the discriminating behavior. As a constant air supply feeds fire, bystanders feed the aggression by laughing or cheering on the aggressor. The cheering crowd will lend more power to the bully, giving them an audience and reinforcing dangerous behaviors. Unfortunately, the bystander rarely knows the influence they have. By simply not adding the fuel to the fire, and telling a teacher or adult, bullying could significantly be reduced.
Bullying is a serious concern and has been proven to have negative impact on the development of children and adults. It is important to start, or continue, fighting against these forms of discrimination to prevent future damage to today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. There are many excellent websites to learn more about bullying and its effects, as well as prevention. Listed below are some resources directed at various audiences.
For Everyone
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/15plus/aboutbullying.asp
www.kidshealth.org
www.cyberbullyhelp.com
Professionals
www.focusas.com/Bullying.html
http://www.groundspark.org/films/letsgetreal/lgr_stats.html
Parents and Families
www.safeyouth.org
www.teen-matters.com/bullying.html
www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
www.bullying411.org