NCJ Number
196724
Date Published
July 2002
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article defines bullying and explores ways children and educators can deal with bullying.
Abstract
Many think bullying is a painful but relatively harmless part of childhood. In fact, bullying can have serious and long-lasting consequences for both the victim and the bully. Bullying is aggression in which one child, or a group of children, engage in unprovoked and repeated physical, verbal, social, or emotional harm against another over a period of time. Bullies get power through physical strength, status within a peer group, taking advantage of a victim’s weakness, or recruiting support from other children. Bullying can range from name-calling to physical assault. For victims, bullying can lead to increased anxiety, increased aggression, and a drop in academic performance. Victims may bring weapons to school to protect themselves or to seek revenge. Bullying also affects bystanders. Studies show that 42 percent of youth witness bullying or taunting once a day. When adults hear about bullying, they often advise the children to solve their own problems. However, bullying involves the imbalance of power between the bully and the victim, so it is unlikely a child can resolve the problem. Educators can help deal with the problem of bullying in the school and classroom by developing a clear anti-bullying and sexual harassment policy for the school and by taking action when an act of bullying occurs. Educators can also train other adults on how to intercede in bullying situations, and by fostering an atmosphere of kindness in the classroom. In addition, the educator can communicate that bullying is unacceptable behavior. Educators can also help bully victims manage their negative emotions and develop strategies to deal with any bullying situation. Educators can also help bullies by taking action when an act of bullying occurs and by helping the bully to take responsibility for his or her actions.