Bullying
By: Kasia Mikina
How bulling starts
Unfortunately, teasing is often part of growing up and almost every child experiences it. Researchers estimate that 20 to 30 percent of school-age children are involved in bullying incidents, as either perpetrators or victims. Bullying can begin as early as preschool and intensify during transitional stages, such as starting school in kindergarten or going into middle school. Victims of bullying are often shy and tend to be physically weaker than others. They may also have low self-esteem and poor social skills, which makes it hard for them to stand up for themselves.
Cyber bullying
Cyber bullying is bullying that takes place online. Kids who are being cyber bullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are cyber bullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.
Causes of bullying
Bullies don't care how others feel. Some children either lack empathy or just relish seeing others in pain. When they hurt someone, they have no sense of what the victims or the people around them are feeling. Children can also be bullied because of their race or religion.
What to do to help (if you are a adult)
You should be noticing if your child or a child is being bullied because studies show that children that are being bullied are often upset or worried most of their time. Children find it difficult to talk about getting bullied or even being a bully. Children on both sides of bullying incidents need help. Adults must first recognize that bullying should not be ignored. You should be able to ask the child is everything is okay and maybe talk to teachers at school to see if they have been noticing anything.
Facts about bullying
- About 22% of students ages 12 to 18 reported they were bullied at school during the school year in 2013.
- More than 2 of every 10 students are being bullied at school.
- 1 in 4 teachers see nothing wrong with bullying and will only intervene 4% of the time.
- Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying.
- Bystanders to bullying can also be affected.