Bullying has been a widespread issue in the United States for many years. As the population continues to grow, more students are affected by bullying. Bullying includes the act of unwanted behavior towards an individual whether it’s verbal or physical aggression, social, and cyberbullying. Students who engage or experience bullying are likely to be at-risk for developing personal, social, and emotional distress (low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, suicide, high rates of school absence, etc.).
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2016):
- More than 1 out of 5 (20.8%) students report being bullied.
- Students who reported being bullied, 13% were made fun of, called names, or insulted; 12% were the subject of rumors; 5% were pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on; and 5% were excluded from activities on purpose.
- Bullied students reported that bullying occurred in the following places: the hallway or stairwell at school (42%), inside the classroom (34%), in the cafeteria (22%), outside on school grounds (19%), on the school bus (10%), and in the bathroom or locker room (9%).
- Females (23%) report a slightly higher rate of bullying compared to males (19%).
How can YOU help?
Start by joining a Students Leading Students (SLS) or Students Taking A New Direction (STAND) Chapter! SLS and STAND Chapter’s offer students a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. For SLS and STAND Chapter’s, inclusiveness and belonging are the keys to successful prevention! SLS students and advisors focus on peer education to influence students to make healthy choices while enhancing critical life skills. If you are already a part of an SLS or STAND Chapter, host a No Name-Calling Awareness Week at your school. No-Name Calling Week is filled with educational and inspiring activities aimed to prevent bullying. SLS and STAND Chapters can organize an anti-bullying campaign to help spread awareness, create social media graphics and videos, write encouraging messages on the sidewalk, hand-out compliments to students and staff, or plan a No-Name Calling Parade for the school and community.
To PREVENT bullying, IT STARTS WITH STUDENTS! Don’t just wait until it happens to you, be the leader in your school and community to help spread awareness.
If you are a victim of bullying, tell an adult and get help immediately.
Suicide Hotline: (800) 784-2433
Crisis Call Center: (800) 273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visit www.teenhealthandwellness.com for more information.