Bullying is still a problem in our schools, and it should be made clear – every student deserves the right to learn in a safe learning environment, free from taunts and harassment. We must view student bullying as a major hindrance to learning and growing. We want our children to grow, learn and succeed, which is why this issue deserves serious attention.
Studies show that school bullying is pervasive. Those who are bullied suffer anxiety, fear, depression and low self-esteem. Their academic performance and school attendance are lowered. Some will decide to drop out of school. In extreme cases, bullying has been linked to adolescent suicide. Studies also show that teen bullying can have long lasting mental scars that carry into adulthood, impacting future relationships and employment.
School bullying is a “community” problem
Addressing and dramatically reducing school bullying must take on a multi-faceted approach. It is a community problem that will take schools, government, teachers, parents and students all working together.
Schools and government can implement anti-bullying programs to promote a culture of respect, understanding, inclusivity, and acceptance. At the same time, there must be a robust system of accountability for violators (bullies) of this culture. There must also be a system of reporting that’s not intimidating. Schools must have in place counseling and support for both the victims and perpetrators of bullying.
School districts should also know that certain types of bullying violate civil rights laws and it’s a legal responsibility for schools that receive federal funding to prevent harassment and discriminatory conduct. There is no federal law directly addressing bullying, but it may overlap with discriminatory harassment based on a student’s disability, including sexual harassment, sexual violence and gender-based harassment. As a community, we should be mindful that a civil society begins in our educational institutions – this is how we can fashion a better society.
Parents need to be aware of their children’s daily school life. Ask questions and communicate with their children. Anti-bullying experts recommend parents to look for signs that could indicate bullying like sudden withdrawal, change in appetite and sleeping patterns, increased anxiety or depression, or drop in grades. Parents not only should discuss the consequences of bullying with their children and promote the tolerance of people who are different but be good role models themselves.
Students who are bystanders witnessing acts of bullying should step in (if safe) and help their fellow students from harassment to be able to walk away unharmed. Incidences of bullying should be reported immediately to a teacher, counselor or principal. For students who are bullied, know that it’s not your fault and that you shouldn’t feel ashamed to talk about it with your parents.
Experts say students who are bullied feel weak to be targeted by someone who often is physically stronger or popular. It’s not a weakness on your part to be a victim, which is why bullied students should see it as an act of strength to report incidences of bullying.
Students who engage in bullying should seek help from a school counselor to understand why they must act out with aggression and anger, and to demean others. With guidance from a counselor and parents, bullies can redirect their anger in positive ways. Bullying could be a serious beginning toward an adult life of violence, isolation and perhaps criminality.
Teachers have a pivotal role in stopping bullying. They must learn how to respond appropriately to bullying situations. Some teachers might feel it’s not a part of their job. But providing a safe learning environment is part of a teacher’s job. This is where they must work with school administrators on correct and appropriate anti-bullying protocol.
Racial bullying
In Hawaii, it’s ironic that racial bullying in particular is the most common form of bullying given the state’s multicultural and diverse population make up. Studies show higher rates of racial bullying in Hawaii compared to the mainland.
Within this category, immigrants, especially those with accents and learning English as a second language are more frequent targets of bullying. Years ago, Filipino immigrant students bore the brunt of teasing, insulting and harassment because of their accents and the way they dressed. We are seeing today Micronesians experiencing the same discrimination many Filipino immigrants faced and are still encountering.
Cyberbullying
Unique to this generation of bullying is the rise of cyberbullying through texts and social media accounts. Studies show cyberbullying can be even more harmful than old-school bullying because of the expanded reach of harassment for many of their peers to see and laugh over.
Parents should play a larger role in preventing cyberbullying. They must explain to their children that there are certain behavioral boundaries that must not be crossed and encourage positive social media interaction. Teens should be encouraged by their parents to not give into peer pressure to engage in demeaning, mean spirited communications on social media. Allow teens to explore and affirm independent thinking on social media. But that doesn’t mean parents be 100% hands off. They should be aware of the general patterns of behavior their children are having on social media. Positive parenting these days must also include positive parenting in the digital world.
Let’s all work together as a community to do our part in decreasing school bullying.
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