Haven't kids been bullying each other for generations? Why are we focusing on the issue now?

Kids have been bullying each other for generations, but that doesn’t make
it right. The difference today is that we know just how harmful it can be. Bullying often leads to greater and prolonged violence. Not only does it harm its intended victims, but it also negatively affects the climate of schools and the opportunities for all students to learn and achieve in school.

Is bullying something that only boys engage in?

ANo. Both boys and girls engage in bullying, but they often use different means. Research shows that boys are twice as likely to use physical and verbal bullying as girls. Girls, however, are more likely to use social isolation and exclusion from the group as a form of bullying.

Are there any promising bullying prevention programs?

Yes. Several prevention programs have been
scientifically evaluated and proven to be successful. One is the Olweus Prevention Program, described on page 4. Another is the Aggressors, Victims, and Bystanders Program discussed on page 7.

What can happen to someone who has been bullied?

The consequences can be serious. In addition to physical harm, students who have been bullied may lose or fail to develop self-esteem, experience feelings of isolation, and may become withdrawn or depressed. Fear may lead to absenteeism, truancy, or dropping out. Victims of bullying are more likely than non-victims to grow up being socially anxious and insecure, displaying more symptoms of depression than those who were not victimized as children.

What are schools doing about bullying?

A great deal. Many states, such as Colorado, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Vermont, now have laws mandating that schools have anti-bullying policies in place. Schools employ a variety of approaches to prevent and reduce bullying. See pages 2-3 to read about what some schools across the country are doing.

What can parents do if their child is bullied?

Parents should call the school if their child is involved in a bullying conflict and work collaboratively with school personnel to address the problem. They should offer support to their child, but not encourage dependence on adults that can undermine their self-confidence. Parents should never encourage a child to strike back. Instead, they should teach children to be assertive. A bully is often looking for an indication that his/her tactics are working. Tears or passive acceptance only reinforces the bully’s behavior.

What can students do about bullying?

Students may not know what to do when they observe a classmate being bullied or experience such victimization themselves. Teach them to seek immediate help from an adult and to report bullying incidents to school personnel. Encourage them to offer support to victims when they see them being bullied, and to express disapproval of bullying behavior by not joining in the laughter, teasing, or gossip.

Are schools’ efforts working?

Research shows that when schools employ comprehensive efforts that include school-wide interventions, classroom activities, individual interventions, and community activities, they are more likely to be effective than when they simply use purely classroom-based approaches.

What can parents do generally about bullying?

The best protection parents can offer is to foster their children's self-confidence and independence and to be willing to take action when needed. Teach children that respect is a basic right: all children are entitled to courteous and respectful treatment. Parents should model kind and respectful behavior toward others.