Bullies are always cowards at heart...
... and may be credited with a pretty safe instinct in scenting their prey.
~Anna Julia Cooper
Bullying is a white-hot topic in the media right now and has also been a topic of particular concern this school year at Harlem Success Academy 3 (HSA3). Approximately one third of the concerns that have been expressed by parents to the Parent Council Executive Council (PCEC) this year have been around the topic of bullying.
A word of advice to concerned HSA3 parents: HSA3 has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in reference to bullying, and so should we all. Bullying is hurtful, harmful, unbecoming of a scholar (or any other member of a civilized community), and damaging on so many different levels. Unfortunately bullying is widespread and apparently commonplace in American schools.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is defined as when a person is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and s/he has difficulty defending himself or herself. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves a behavioral pattern repeated over time that displays an imbalance of power and strength.
Bullying behavior can include:
Verbal bullying (derogatory comments and name calling). Bullying through exclusion or isolation. Physical bullying (hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, etc.) Spreading lies and false rumors. Being threatened or being forced to do things. Racial bullying (racially motivated name calling and physical aggression). Having money or other things taken or damaged by the bully. Sexual bullying. Cyber bullying (aggressive or insulting emails, IMs, or other negative behavior transmitted through electronic means or social networking sites).
The Impact Of Bullying
Bullying has wide reaching effects that affect more than just the victim of the bullying behavior. Kids deserve to be safe at school, but when they experience bullying the effects can be serious and long-lasting. Victims of bullying may suffer from depression, low self-esteem, poor grades, and suicidal thoughts or actions in severe cases.
Those who bully are more likely than others to get into frequent fights, steal and vandalize property, drink alcohol, smoke and report poor grades. Be warned though that not all bullies have obvious behavior problems. Some bullies are highly socially skilled. This trait is even more common of girls who bully.
Observers of bullying, may also feel that they are in an unsafe environment. They may feel fearful, powerless to act, guilty for not acting and tempted to participate.
Schools with bullying issues also suffer the consequences of bullying. When bullying continues and a school does not take action, the entire school climate can be affected. The school develops an environment of fear and disrespect, students have difficulty learning, students fell insecure, dislike school and perceive that teachers and staff have little control and don't care about them.
Bullying Statistics
1 out of 4 kids is bullied. The America Justice Department says that this month 1 out of every 4 kids will be abused by another youth. Surveys show that 77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally and physically. 1 in 5 kids admit to being a bully or doing some bullying. 8% of students in America miss 1 day of class per month for fear of bullies. 43% of American school kids fear harassment in the bathroom at school. Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Adult intervention - 4%. Peer intervention - 11%. No intervention - 85%.
In short, bullying is real! If you suspect that your child is the victim of bullying, DO NOT ignore it and expect that the behavior will resolve itself. Parents need to be the one trusted place that kids can go when things go wrong. Be a resource for your child! If they come to you with a concern regarding this topic move swiftly, Go Beyond Z to investigate and put an end to this negative, unwanted and damaging behavior. Your first recourse should be to speak to your child's teacher. If no acceptable resolution is reached or if the unwanted behavior is ongoing, request a meeting with the administration at your school.
