Bullying Ben 10
Bullying in Ben 10: A Closer Look
Bullying is a prevalent issue in many schools across the United States, as well as in various forms of media and entertainment. One such example can be found in the popular animated series “Ben 10” and its sequels.
Bullying in U.S. Schools
According to a survey funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), bullying is widespread in American schools, with more than 16 percent of U.S. school children saying they had been bullied by other students during the current term.
The study differentiates between three types of bullying: physical, verbal, and psychological. Physical bullying involves hitting or otherwise attacking the other person; verbal bullying includes name-calling or threats; while psychological bullying entails spreading rumors or excluding a person.
Effects of Bullying
“Being bullied is not just an unpleasant rite of passage through childhood,” said Duane Alexander, M.D., director of the NICHD. “It’s a public health problem that merits attention.”
People who were bullied as children are more likely to suffer from depression and low self-esteem, well into adulthood, and the bullies themselves are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life.
Cyberbullying
In addition to traditional bullying, cyberbullying is also a growing concern. A study conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that youth who are the targets of cyberbullying at school are at greater risk for depression than are the youth who bully them.
Cyberbullying, or electronic aggression, involves aggressive behaviors communicated over a computer or a cell phone. Unlike traditional bullying, which usually involves face-to-face confrontation, cyber victims may not see or identify their harasser, making them feel more isolated and helpless during the attack.
Prevention and Intervention
To help prevent and respond to cyberbullying and traditional forms of bullying, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration advises parents to encourage children to tell them immediately if they are victims of cyberbullying or other troublesome online behaviors.
Parents can take several steps to help prevent cyberbullying, such as monitoring their child’s internet usage, setting up parental controls, and talking openly about the dangers and consequences of bullying. Additionally, schools can implement anti-bullying policies and provide resources and support for students who have been affected by bullying.
