Warning signs
When looking for warning signs, we should always look for changes in the child. However, not all children who have been bullied exhibit warning signs. Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:
- Injuries without explanation
- Items such as clothing, books, electronics, and jewelry are lost or destroyed
- Feeling sick or faking illness, recurring headaches, or stomachaches
- Shift in eating habits, like skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may arrive at home hungry after school because they did not eat lunch
- Inability to sleep or frequent nightmares
- Lack of interest or motivation in schoolwork, declining grades or an unwillingness to attend
- Social isolation or sudden loss of friendship
- Lack of self-esteem or feelings of helplessness
- Suicidal thoughts, self-destructive behaviors, such as running away from home or harming oneself
I don’t get bullied, but my friend does
There are simple steps you can take to stop bullying on the spot and keep everyone safe:
- Remain calm
- Tell the bullies to stop
- Don’t ignore it
- Intervene immediately by getting an adult to help
- If you need to, run away!
How big is the problem?
Bullying is widespread in the United States. Bullying negatively impacts all youth involved, including those bullied, those who bully others, and those who witness bullying known as bystanders.
- About 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property. More than 1 in 6 high school students reported being bullied electronically in the last year.
- Some youth experience bullying more than others. Nearly 40% of LGBTQ high school students experienced bullying at school or electronically in the last year, compared to 22% of heterosexual high school students.
- About 30% of female high school students experienced bullying at school or electronically last year.
- Nearly 29% of White high school students experienced bullying at school or electronically in the previous year compared to about 19% of Hispanic and 18% of Black high school students.
- Bullying is a frequent discipline problem. Nearly 14% of public schools report that bullying is a discipline problem occurring daily or at least once a week.
- Reports of bullying are highest in middle schools (28%), followed by high schools (16%), combined schools (12%), and primary schools (9%).
Am I the Bully?
You may be bullying others if you:
- Engage in physical or verbal fights
- Have bullies for friends.
- Are growingly aggressive
- Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention a lot
- Have a new or unexpected amount of money or belongings
- Blame others and don’t accept responsibility for their actions
- Are concerned about your reputation or popularity
Cyberbullying
The term cyberbullying refers to bullying on digital devices and online where people can see, view, or share content. A cyberbully sends, posts, or shares harmful, false, or mean information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation. There are times when cyberbullying crosses the line from harassment to criminal activity. Cyberbullying is most common in:
- Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, and Tik Tok
- Messages sent via SMS on mobile devices or messaging apps
- Instant messaging, direct messaging, and online chatting over the internet
- Sites like Reddit, message boards, forums, and online gaming communities
Someone is bullying me online or via text message
Here are some steps you can take immediately:
- Never respond to cyberbullying messages or forward them to others.
- Block the cyberbully.
- Be sure to keep evidence. Document when cyberbullying has occurred, including the dates, time, and details. Save and print screenshots, email messages, and text messages. This evidence can be used to inform web and cellular service providers about cyberbullying.
Reporting Cyberbullying to Online Platforms
Many social media sites and internet service providers prohibit cyberbullying:
- You can find out what content is or isn’t appropriate in the terms and conditions or rights and responsibilities sections.
- Check out social media safety centers for information on blocking users and protecting your privacy.
- Take action against users infringing the terms of service by reporting cyberbullying to the social media site.
Reporting Cyberbullying to the Police
This type of cyberbullying is criminal and should be reported to law enforcement:
- Violent threats
- The distribution of child pornography or sexually explicit images or messages
- Invading the privacy of someone by taking a photo or video
- Hate crimes and stalking
