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Bullying

Bullying Facts/Statistics

  • One out of every four students admits to being bullied during the school year, with 64% of these going unreported.1
  • Students being bullied are 2.4 times more likely to report having suicidal ideations and 3.3 times as likely to report a suicide attempt versus their non-bullied peers.1
  • Cyberbullying or electronic bullying has a prevalence anywhere from 7 to 15% of youths.2

These numbers are the harsh reality and are even significantly higher with at-risk populations, such as the LGBT community or youths with disabilities.2 Cyberbullying poses an additional risk because it can occur at any time and any place where someone has access to the Internet.3 It is clear that bullying has become a serious public health concern and is no longer tolerated as a rite of passage in children. Luckily, with the recognition of bullying as such a high-priority issue, there are a number of resources to help minimize the risk of you or your child being a victim of bullying.

References:

  1. "Bullying Statistics." Media Kit. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 June 2016.
  2. Rivara, Frederick, and Suzanne Le Menestrel, eds. Preventing Bullying Through Science, Policy, and Practice. Rep. Washington, D.C.: National Academies, 2016.
  3. Waseem, Muhammad, Mary Ryan, Carla Boutin Foster, and Janey Peterson. "Assessment and Management of Bullied Children in the Emergency Department." Pediatric Emergency Care 29.3 (2013): 389-98. Web.

Tell Your Pediatrician:

Bullying has severe short- and long-term consequences to both the bully and the victim's health. Most notably psychosomatic complaints, such as headaches and stomach aches, are twice as likely to occur in a victim of bullying compared to their non-bullied peers. Often children will not feel comfortable admitting to their physician they are being bullied, so recognizing these complaints and being ready to ask open-ended questions is imperative.

Helpful Resources:

  • stop bullying
    Stopbullying.gov is a government run website devoted to giving resources to all ages on effective bullying prevention strategies. They have very informative resources for teachers, parents, and pediatricians as well. You can check them out at: stopbullying.gov

  • national center for bullying prevention
    The National Center for Bullying Prevention strives to promote awareness about bullying, while also teaching effective ways to respond to bullying. Find out more about them at: Pacer.org/bullying.

  • stomp out bullying
    STOMP Out Bullying is a NY-based non-profit advocacy group working to reduce bullying and cyberbullying. They are devoted to spreading awareness and offering support to anyone in need. You can learn more at their website: stompoutbullying.org

  • peace first
    Peace First is a national nonprofit that awards young students between the ages of 8 and 22 who display compassion, courage, and collaborative change. The finalists will receive a $50,000, two-year fellowship recognizing their peacemaking work, allowing them to further invest in their positive change. Find out more, and nominate a child today at peacefirst.org/challenge

  • national academies of science, engineering and medicine
    The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine sent out a 2016 collaborative report on bullying focusing on the context and scope of the problem, especially as it relates to the biological and psychological consequences. The consensus also includes helpful next steps for when bullying is observed. You can view their report in pdf form here: nationalacademies.org


Laws Against Bullying:

Unfortunately there is no specific federal law against bullying, unless it is directly related to discriminatory harassment. New York State does have an anti-bullying law in place though, which covers cyber-bullying as well. The law includes bullying, harassment, intimidation, and more. View everything the policy covers here: stopbullying.gov/laws

Bullying Hotlines:

  • If you are ever experiencing bullying and need someone to call and talk to, please use the 24-hour help hotline for victims at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
  • www.stopbullying.gov/get-help-now/ also offers a plethora of resources depending on the specific problem you are facing.

Website content developed by Nainita Madurai and Michelle Baker, SUNY Upstate Medical Students, Class of 2019

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