Bullying

Bullying is a problem among people of all age groups around the nation in a number of different forms. Bullying is any unwanted, aggressive behavior that involved a real or perceived power imbalance that is repeated or can be repeated over time. (CDC) This can happen in-person or online through texting, email, or social media, which is called cyber-bullying.

In a survey questioning individuals ages 18-24, 71% of participants responded that they had experience bullying at one time in their life, and 90% of participants said they knew someone who had been bullied. However, only 35% of people said that they’ve ever bullied someone, and 68% said they knew someone who was a bully. This shows that people know when they’re being bullied, but might not always know when they’re being a bully themselves.

How can you tell is someone is being bullied? (StopBulying.Gov)

  • Unexplainable injuries

  • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry

  • Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness

  • Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating

  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

  • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

  • Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

  • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem

  • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

How can you tell that someone may be bullying someone else? (StopBulying.Gov)

  • Get into physical or verbal fights

  • Have friends who bully others

  • Are increasingly aggressive

  • Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently

  • Have unexplained extra money or new belongings

  • Blame others for their problems

  • Don’t accept responsibility for their actions

  • Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

What does bullying Typically involve?

  • Physical violence

  • Threats

  • Spreading rumors

  • Name-calling

  • Excluding others

What should you do if you or someone you know is being bullied? (MHA)

  1. Try to stay calm and remove yourself from the situation, whether it be physically getting away or getting off the internet.

  2. Be a good friend by listening, supporting, and speaking up for your friend.

  3. Don’t retaliate or put yourself into situations or places that can make yourself feel bad.

  4. Tell someone you trust that can help you out. This can include a friend, parent, teacher, or mentor.

  5. Surround yourself with people that make you feel safe and good about yourself.

  6. Keep an eye on your mental health so that you don’t get into a worse situation.