October is Bullying Prevention Month

As the month wraps up, let’s not forget that October is Bullying Prevention Month.
Most people know the general definition of a bully and what that means, but as a quick review “traditional bullying” is defined as aggressive behavior where someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person physical, emotional, or sexual discomfort. With the modern advancements in technology, there is another type of bullying that promotes a serious threat to children and youth mental health … Most have heard of it, cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is done through cell phones, computers, tablets, and gaming systems. It can also be communicated via social media, text messages, and posts. 

Traditional bullying and Cyberbullying are oftentimes hand in hand these days.  

Some statistics on cyberbullying are;

1 in every 4 teens has experienced cyberbullying 

1 in 6 has been a perpetrator

1 in 5 tweens, or kids ages 9 to 12 have been involved in cyberbullying

Cyberbullying increases stress resulting in anxiety and depression symptoms which in turn can lead to poor academic performance, attendance issues, substance use, self harm and suicidal ideation. Although there is no direct correlation between bullying and suicide, bullying can contribute to the intense feelings of helplessness and hopelessness involved in suicidal behaviors. 

It is important to help kids navigate social media. Parents can help curb cyberbullying by monitoring their childs’ technology use and social media accounts, talking about online behavior, and teaching kids how to report cyber bullying either online, with a parent, a teacher, or other trusted adult.

Traditional bullying is not at lower rates than cyberbullying. Signs of traditional bullying include unexplained injuries, damage to physical property, loss of interest in activities, avoidance of attending school. 

Some statistics on traditional bullying are:

22% of students get bullied during each school year

Verbal harassment is the most common type, it makes up 79% of bullying at school

43% of transgender students have been harassed on school grounds

 

While victims are at risk for mental health challenges, let’s not forget that the bullies are too. Bullies are at risk for antisocial and violent behavior, dropping out of school, substance use, criminal behavior,  and abuse of a partner or child in adulthood.

Bullying resources and information for this blog post can be found at:

Cyberbullying: What is it and how can you stop it? (apa.org)

Effects of Bullying on Mental Health – Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling

All the Latest Cyberbullying Statistics for 2023 – BroadbandSearch