Bullying Behaviors

From About Schools and Communities - HelpStartsHere.org
Reviewed by NASW Office of Social Work Specialty Practice Staff and Center for Workforce Studies Staff

Studies show that between 15-25 percent of U.S. students are bullied with some frequency. Bullies use aggressive behavior to show that they have power over another student. Bullying may be physical, involving hitting or punching; verbal, such as teasing or name calling; or psychological, involving social exclusion or spreading rumors about another child. Boys most often use name calling and teasing, while girls are more likely to socially exclude other girls. Youth with disabilities or special needs, and those who are gay or bisexual are at a higher risk of being bullied then other children.

Bullying is not just an unpleasant passage of childhood. Not only does it often interfere with school work, but bullied children are more likely to feel depressed, lonely, and anxious, and to think about suicide. It is common for bullied children to pretend to be ill or skip school to avoid their tormentor.

Middle school and high school students among the sexual minority may be the most vulnerable to victimization from school bullies. A 2001 survey found that 83 percent of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students experienced verbal, physical, or sexual harassment and assault at school, according to the National Mental Health and Education Center.

A majority of GLBT students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. As a result, nearly 30 percent drop out of school, and the rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and suicide by sexual minority students are two to three times higher than for heterosexual youth.

Students may not tell their parents that they are being bullied because they are embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid. If you suspect that your child is a victim, ask questions about what has happened, where the bullying occurred, and how your child responded. Do not ask your child to ignore bullies or encourage retaliation, which may only escalate the problem.

Contact the school principal, social worker, or your child’s teacher and describe the problem. Ask school authorities to talk with other adults who interact with your child to find out if they have witnessed any bullying behavior. Many school districts omit sexual orientation from anti-bullying programs, so parents of GLBT students may suggest that the sexuality issue is addressed and that school activities are available to all students, regardless of sexual orientation. School social workers can act as advocates for students who are victimized and identify a support network of caring adults.

Finally, encourage your child to make friends with students in the classroom or outside of the school environment. Children can become more resistant to bullying when they develop confidence and other positive attributes.

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