By Robert Jordan
K-12 Bullying. SITE|SAFETYNET℠ defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It is typically repeated over time and causes harm to the victim1. With the rise of the internet, bullying is no longer confined to the schoolyard. Cyberbullying allows perpetrators to harass their victims at all hours, from anywhere1.
How Common is Bullying?
Bullying is a widespread problem in schools. In 2021-2022, about 19% of students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported being bullied at school2. This decreased from 2010-2011, when 28% of students reported being bullied2. Among students who were bullied in 2021-2022, 22% said it happened online or via text message2.
Girls are more likely to be bullied than boys (22% versus 17%)2. Bullying is also more common among students of two or more races (30%) and White students (22%) than among Black students (17%), Hispanic students (16%), or Asian students (9%)2.
Where Does Bullying Occur?
Bullying happens in a variety of locations in school. The most common places are hallways or stairwells (43%), inside the classroom (42%), and in the cafeteria (27%)3. Other locations include outside on school grounds (22%), online or by text (15%), in the bathroom or locker room (12%), and on the school bus (8%)3.
Types of Bullying
Bullying can take many forms, including:
- Physical bullying: This includes hitting, kicking, pushing, spitting, and other forms of physical aggression2.
- Verbal bullying: This includes name-calling, teasing, taunting, and making threats2.
- Social bullying: This includes spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, and embarrassing someone in public2.
- Cyberbullying: This includes sending hurtful messages or posting embarrassing photos or videos online2.
Effects of Bullying
Bullying can have profound and lasting effects on victims. These can include:
- Physical effects: Headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems1.
- Emotional effects: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and loneliness1.
- Academic effects: Difficulty concentrating, lower grades, and increased absenteeism1.
What Can Be Done About Bullying?
Many things can be done to prevent and address bullying. These include:
- Creating a positive school climate: Schools can promote a culture of respect and inclusion where bullying is not tolerated1.
- Teaching social-emotional skills: Students can learn to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and develop empathy1.
- Providing support for victims: Schools can offer counseling and other support services to students who have been bullied1.
- Holding bullies accountable: Schools need to have clear consequences for bullying behavior1.
- Empowering bystanders: Bystanders can play a key role in stopping bullying by intervening or reporting it to an adult1.
Works Cited
- Statistics and Laws – Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation, accessed January 26, 2025, https://www.rmccharity.org/bullying-prevention-institute/resources/facts-and-laws/
- Fast Facts: Bullying (719) – National Center for Education Statistics, accessed January 26, 2025, https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=719
- Bullying Statistics – National Bullying Prevention Center – PACER Center, accessed January 26, 2025, https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/stats.asp
