By Jessica Feagin | Intern and UAB Community Health and Human Services Student

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior by another youth or group of children (CDC, 2022). Bullying may include social, psychological, educational, and/or physical harm on the targeted youth. Common types of bullying include physical (kicking, tripping, and hitting), verbal (teasing and name-calling), social (spreading rumors and being left out of a group), and damage to the victim’s property. Bullying can also occur via cell phones and online.

Physical injury, emotional stress, self-harm, and even death can result from bullying. Bullying increases the risk of anxiety, depression, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. Youth who bully other youth are at risk for academic problems, substance abuse, and experiencing violence when they are older. Youth who bully others and are bullied themselves are at greater risk for behavioral and mental health problems. It has been reported that bullying is a discipline problem that occurs weekly or in some cases daily, in approximately 14% of public schools (CDC, 2022).

The American Psychological Association recommends several ways teachers, parents, and students can address bullying (APA, 2011). Teachers must remember that bullying typically occurs in the bathroom, playground, hallways, and school buses. If teachers notice bullying, they must immediately stop it and inform school administrators. Teachers should remind their students that bullying is not acceptable and there will be consequences for such behaviors. Parents of kids that are possibly bullied should observe their child for signs so they can take appropriate actions to rectify the situation. Some signs of bullying are decreased appetite, nightmares, anxiety, depression, ripped clothing, and hesitation about attending school. It is essential to let your child know that you will help them. As parents, you could also work with your child and teach them to ignore a bully and develop assertive strategies for coping with bullying. Students need to inform their parents or any trusted adult of any form of bullying.

Bullying can impact those being bullied, and it is critical to identify and prevent it to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our youth. Say No to Bullying!

References

Fast fact: Preventing bullying. (2022, April 14). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/fastfact.html

How parents, teachers, and kids can take action to prevent bullying. (2011, January 1). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/bullying/prevent