Per a survey by the Bureau of Justice and National Center for Education, as of 2019, about 22% (or 1 in 5) students ages 12-18 experience bullying. Bullying, as federally defined by the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Education, consists of 3 fundamental aspects:
- Unwanted aggressive behavior,
- observed or perceived power imbalance, and
- repetition or high likelihood of repetition of bullying behaviors.
As with other violence, bullying is about the abuser using behaviors and actions to take power away from their victim in order to gain a sense of control over their life and others. Bullying comes in many forms, including:
- Verbal: Teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, and threats of harm.
- Social: Leaving someone out on purpose, telling others to not be friends with someone, spreading rumors about someone, and embarrassing someone in public.
- Physical: Hitting/kicking/pinching, spitting, tripping/pushing, and taking or breaking someone’s things.
- Cyberbullying: Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful, or embarrassing, posting a mean or hurtful picture or video, creating a mean or hurtful webpage about someone, hacking personal email and social media accounts, and threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves.
Warning Signs of Bullying
Being able to identify the signs that bullying is occurring, whether a child is committing the bullying or is the victim of bullying, is a crucial step in addressing the issue. It is also important to recognize that kids may not always ask for help on their own, so it is encouraged to talk with kids if any warning signs present themselves.
The Long-lasting Impacts of Bullying
For those being bullied, they can experience several mental, physical, and social impacts. Kids being bullied are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress, as well as disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, and loss of interest in activities they would normally enjoy. Kids who are being bullied also may struggle academically and in overall participation at school, such as skipping school or dropping out.
Bullying also impacts the bystanders and the bullies themselves. Kids who are witness to bullying are at greater risk of substance use, mental health problems, and missing school. Those who bully are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs as both minors and as adults, and engage in early sexual activity. Also as adults, bullies are more likely to have criminal convictions, traffic citations, and be abusive toward dating partners, spouses and their children.
Prevention is a Community Effort
Through active community involvement, bullying can be prevented. Prevention starts at home, by educating kids about bullying, encouraging open communication, and modeling treating others with respect and kindness. Community involvement can help create supportive and safe environments, and bring together local partners, including schools, city councils, mental health providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, local businesses, and law enforcement.
Support for those impacted by bullying can start with a phone call. Arkansas Valley Resource Center Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist victims of bullying and their families. AVRC Staff can also be available to provide information and education regarding bullying. Call today!
415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656
Information regarding bullying and prevention provided by:
stopbullying.gov
AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding age, race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.