BULLYING IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS

Estimates abound that anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of America's school children in grades six through 10 are either victims of bullying or bullies themselves. But just how clearly have we defined bullying, and what can be done about it?

What can be done to make schools safe or at least safer from physical aggression, verbal harassment and other forms of mistreatment, including cyber bullying?

Currently, 21 states have laws on the books that address the link between bullying and the adverse health effects bullying and bullies have on individuals, as well as the community at large. But, according to the Center for the Advancement of Health, only 16 states have clear legislation defining bullying, prohibiting bullying and supporting anti-bullying prevention programs . (If Utah has clear legislation on bullying, let’s say something about it.)

In order to change this problem, we need to make policy changes at the state level. Additionally, policy on its own won’t necessarily lead to changes. Bulling, harassment, intimidation and bullying behaviors need to be clearly defined. Laws must be clear, inclusive, and explain bullying and bullying behaviors.

According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, lack of adult supervision after school has been linked to problem behavior, including aggression, in adolescents. And there is compelling evidence that the media is affecting youth behavior. Add to that the growing phenomenon of Internet or cyber bullying (to learn more about cyber bullying click here), and it's little wonder bullying goes beyond the classroom or school grounds.

The Journal states that researchers have also found that cyber bullying is linked to school behavior problems and shares common predictors with verbal bullying and, to a lesser extent, physical bullying. It's also true that cyber bullying seems to peak in middle school.

In addition to improved legislation and better parental supervision, media literacy programs and in- school training programs, such as PCAU ’s Bullying Prevention Program, are means to educate youth about the problems and emotional tolls it takes on individuals.

Regardless of how it's done, there is a general consensus that bullying and related behaviors are on the increase and will take the involvement of parents, families, schools, communities and lawmakers to make our schools and children safer from this kind of behavior.