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What Qualifies as Bullying in Schools?

Bullying in schools has become a very prevalent and serious issue that educators are facing today. It is, perhaps, one of the oldest problems that plague schools, but doesn’t quite receive the attention that other issues that occur in schools do. Sometimes the denial runs so thick that school districts will actually say that they have “bully-free” schools. This untruth runs deep because it is common knowledge that bullying runs in every school around the world. There is always the kid with self-esteem issues that picks on kids they see as weaker than they are or smaller.
 
What Counts?

There may be questions as to what counts as bullying in schools. Here are the types of abuse that are considered bullying:

  • Taunting
  • Physical abuse
  • Exclusion from groups and pastimes

 The students that undergo this type of abuse are usually considered the “nerds” and do not have a solid circle of friends.

The Results

The results of bullying tend to be the bullied student feeling inadequate, isolated, and like they are a prisoner of their bully. And although most students are too meek to take matters into their own hands, there have been incidents in which they have and it has head deathly consequences.

Within the past 18 years there have been approximately 270 deaths due to school violence. Some of these state that the reason behind their actions is because they were bullied and they finally had enough.

Yes, it is true that being bullied can seriously push a child over the edge. A child who is never violent can become violent all of a sudden and can perceive more than just the bully a threat to them, resulting in a catastrophe. Not only is the school affected, but the community as a whole. That is why more than just schools and parents need to try and curb bullying in schools. It is a community effort.

Prevention

It has been shown that 60% of bullies who bullied other students between the grades of 6-9 were involved in at least one criminal activity before they graduated high school. It is very important to stop the bullying as soon as it starts. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for parents and school employees to identify a bully, but when the bully is identified it is important that the problem is not swept under the rug.
 
By recognizing behavioral changes in students, monitoring the hallways, educating students about what constitutes a bully and what to do about it, can do wonders for the student body as a whole and can result in the safety of the students involved and innocent students within the district. It is up to the adults in the bully’s life and the bullied student’s life to make a difference.