Bullying. What are the statistics?

By Erin lambert

So what is bullying?

• Have you ever been called names that you did not like at school? Have you ever been laughed at again and again by someone or a group of kids of whom you may not even know, or a gang in your class in a way that makes you sad? Even about repeated threats and even physical abuse by someone for some or no reason? Probably. It is estimated that around 20% of all kids are bullied in school at any time, and about half have experienced bulling at some point before.

What can happen?Bullying can be categorized in four main ways:• Physical: This includes threatening, or actually doing the action of hitting, kicking,

pushing, and any other physical harm. Others include stealing, hiding or destroying your belongings. Sometimes, you are forced to do things you don’t want to do.

• Verbal: This includes calling you names, poking fun at you, teasing, people giggling, insulting and laughing at you each time they see you.

• Relationship: This also includes people refusing to talk, share or allow you to join in games and play activities. Others include spreading lies (or even or truths about something bad you did)

• Cyber, Internet or Online: This includes people using the Internet to send you dirty, embarrassing and dangerous messages, intended to cause problems for you.

Why?• Some people are easily picked on by bullies. Research shows that one out of every four school kids experience regular bullying

of one type or another (this may vary from country to country). People may be picked on because of:

• Their size: too big, too thin, too short or too tall.

• Skin colour: e.g.. only black in a white domination class (or the other way round), extreme skin color from the rest of the class.

• Special needs (or some kind of physical challenge): A disability of some sort (defective eyes, style of walking, tone of speech, body proportions) or even your name can be an issue.

• Bad temper: People with bad temper are a great catch for bullies because it is easier for them to set them off and get them angry.

• People who have no friends.

• An embarrassing event you got involved with: People may laugh and tease you because of something you did, or your reaction to something, and never let go of the issue. They will bring it up at the slightest chance to shame you.

Effects of bullying

• For some reason people think bullying is a part of everyday life these days, it is a part of growing up and an opportunity to stand up for yourself. Some kids naturally will not accept being bullied, and will stand against it. Others are not that brave and will crumble at it. They end up feeling lonely, unhappy and frightened. It can make them lose confidence and interest in school. These effects are also signs that kids may exhibit when being abused by bullies.

• 64% of adults believe bullying to be more prevalent among young people today than it was during their own childhood.

• 20% of students in grades 9 – 11 reported being bullied in 2011. That does not include the ones that diddnt.

• 50% of adults have reported being bullied in the workplace.

• Suicide accounts for 20% of all deaths annually for 15 – 24 year olds.

What can you do?

• Try to avoid the bully: If you have to go to a place (bathroom, canteen, games room, locker room) where you may meet the bully, try going with a friend. Do not go alone. Try to make friends with those who use the bus, hallway or waiting room so you can move with them.

• Look out for your friends.Yes, that’s what real friends are for. If you see someone bullying another, you need to do something about it. There is a wise saying that goes “evil thrives when good people do nothing” If you feel you are strong enough to face him, you can tell him that what he is doing is wrong (Do not go and fight him, just make your point). You can also encourage the victim to report it and stand by him as a witness.

• Tell an adult:Adults like your teacher, parent, school nurse, or even older friend can help. They usually have good advice and ways of ending that bully’s activities.