Bullying is a pervasive issue in schools across the country, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of students. Understanding its prevalence, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to intervene can help create a safer environment for children.
How Common is Bullying?
Statistics highlight the significant impact of bullying on students that have been reported:
Almost one out of every four students (22%) report being bullied during the school year.
Rates of bullying vary across studies, ranging from 9% to as high as 98%.
Chronic bullying can lead to lower academic achievement, a dislike of school, and reduced confidence in academic abilities.
In the 2021–22 school year, about 19% of students ages 12–18 reported being bullied at school.
Among students who were bullied, 22% reported that the bullying occurred online or via text messages.
(Taken from: Bullying Statistics - National Bullying Prevention Center).
Consider that a lot of kids will not report it as they are concerned the report will make the bullying worse or no one will do anything about it.
When is it Considered Bullying?
Bullying involves repeated aggressive behavior that intends to harm or intimidate another person. It can take several forms:
Physical bullying – Hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging belongings.
Verbal bullying – Name-calling, insults, or threats.
Social bullying – Spreading rumors, exclusion from groups, or public humiliation.
Cyberbullying – Using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or spread harmful content.
For behavior to be considered bullying, it typically includes an imbalance of power where the bully exerts control over the victim, either physically, socially, or psychologically.
Signs of Bullying
Children may not always speak up about being bullied. Parents and educators should watch for:
Unexplained injuries
Lost or destroyed personal belongings
Changes in eating habits
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Declining grades or loss of interest in school
Avoidance of social situations or sudden loss of friends
Mood swings, anxiety, or signs of depression
How Parents Can Support Their Child
If your child is experiencing bullying, here’s how you can provide support:
Listen and Validate Their Feelings – Encourage open communication and reassure them that they are not alone.
Teach Coping Strategies – Help them practice responses, such as walking away confidently, seeking help, or using humor to deflect the bully’s attention.
Encourage Healthy Friendships – Having a strong support network can help reduce the effects of bullying.
Monitor Online Activity – Keep an eye on their digital interactions and encourage safe online behavior.
Seek Professional Help – If bullying is impacting their mental health, counseling or therapy can provide them with coping mechanisms.
How Parents Can Advocate for Their Child at School
Schools play a crucial role in preventing and addressing bullying. Parents can take proactive steps to ensure their child’s safety:
Document Incidents – Keep records of bullying incidents, including dates, times, and details.
Report to School Officials – Notify teachers, counselors, or administrators about the situation.
Review School Policies – Familiarize yourself with the school’s anti-bullying policies and procedures.
Request a Meeting – Work with the school to develop a plan to protect your child and hold the bully accountable.
Encourage Bystander Action – Advocate for programs that teach students to stand up against bullying.
Dad comforts child
By staying informed, supporting children, and advocating for policy changes, parents and educators can work together to reduce bullying and create a safer environment for all students.
References and Further Reading
Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2019). Preventing Bullying. Retrieved from CDC Bullying Factsheet.
National Center for Educational Statistics. (2019). Student Reports of Bullying: Results from the 2017 School Crime Supplement to the National Victimization Survey. US Department of Education. Retrieved from NCES.
Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, S. (2019). 2019 Cyberbullying Data. Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved from Cyberbullying Research Center.
Patchin, J.W., & Hinduja, S. (2020). Tween Cyberbullying in 2020. Cyberbullying Research Center and Cartoon Network. Retrieved from Cartoon Network Report.
Rose, C. A., & Gage, N. A. (2016). Exploring the Involvement of Bullying Among Students with Disabilities Over Time. Exceptional Children, 83, 298-314. Retrieved from Sage Journals.
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