The Problem
1. Every day, 60,000 students miss school due to fear or intimidation by a bully.
2. Almost 30% of teens in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying.
3. 10% of students drop out of school because of repeated bullying.
4. Bullying increases through elementary grades and peaks in middle school.
5. Bullies are six times more likely to commit a crime.
Violence Prevention
1. Post our "Bully Prevention" series around your building encouraging students to report any potentially violent situation.
2. Develop and enforce a school anti-bullying policy. Require students to sign an agreement pledging to use school computers properly.
3. Provide support for teachers, administrators, and other school staff.
4. Open avenues for students to speak about their social problems in school and provide counseling.
5. Identify those students that fit the "bullying" profile and see that they get counseling.
6. Provide increased supervision in building areas where bullying tends to occur.
7. Integrate anti-bullying themes and activities into your school's curriculums.
8. Offer resources for victims and families.
How to Talk a"Bully" Making other people feel badly should never make you feel good. If it does, you need to encourage the student to talk to a teacher or counselor about it. Even though they might think an adult won't understand, or that they might get themselves into trouble, make them understand you can help! Whether it is a parent, a teacher or another trusted grown-up, they should tell an adult how they have been acting so you can help modify their behavior. Encourage bullies to talk to school counselors to help them change the way they treat others.
