Bullying in Schools: A Prevalent Issue

Bullying is a pervasive issue in American schools, with more than 16 percent of U.S. school children reporting being bullied by other students during the current term, according to a survey funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that bullying is not only an unpleasant experience for children but can have long-lasting effects. People who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem well into adulthood. Meanwhile, bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.

The NICHD researchers surveyed 15,686 students in grades six-through-ten and found that bullying is a widespread problem affecting children across all types of schools. The study defined bullying as a type of behavior intended to harm or disturb the victim, which occurs repeatedly over time and involves an imbalance of power.

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and psychological. Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, or otherwise attacking the other person. Verbal bullying includes name-calling or threats, while psychological bullying involves spreading rumors or excluding a person.

Prevalence of Bullying

The study found that 13 percent of students had engaged in moderate or frequent bullying of others, while 10.6 percent said they had been bullied either moderately or frequently. Some students-6.3 percent-had both bullied others and been bullied themselves. In all, 29 percent of the students who responded to the survey had been involved in some aspect of bullying.

Conclusion

Bullying is a serious issue that affects millions of children worldwide. It can have long-lasting effects on both the bullied and the bullies themselves. It’s essential to take steps to prevent bullying and support those who have been affected by it.

Vídeos Recomendados