April 14, 2003
Targets of bullying would like it to stop. Bullies have reasons that
they are bullying that need to be dealt with.
Let's say you are one of the many students out there who is not a
bully and is not getting bullied. How does this affect you?
"Bullying may be a part
of many people's childhood experiences, but the practice is not normal
and it is not harmless, according to a team of Bethesda, Maryland
researchers....'Bullying should not be considered "normal"
behavior among youth. It is socially abusive behavior, and is associated
with involvement in other kinds of problem behavior,' lead study author
Dr. Tonja R. Nansel, of the National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development told Reuters Health."
"New research from the
Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education on 37 school shootings,
including Columbine, found that almost three-quarters of student shooters
felt bullied, threatened, attacked or injured by others....Indeed
says Limber, 'Bullying is a very common experience for kids in school'
and more widespread than previously thought....In the study, psychologist
Tonja R. Nansel, PhD, and colleagues found that 17 percent of students
reported having been bullied 'sometimes' or more frequently during
the school term. About 19 percent reported bullying others 'sometimes'
or more often. And six percent reported both bullying and having been
"Maybe in comparison
to school shootings like the one at Columbine High School, being bullied
doesn't seem all that important. But if you've ever been bullied,
you know that's not the truth. Bullying can change everything for
"No one wants to rat
on someone, but your safety has to be your first priority."
Bullies have reasons for
bullying that they need to deal with before the bullying will stop.
Those that are the targets of bullies need to learn ways to deal with
this painful situation in a safe and healthy way. This is all easier
said than done.
While bullying is a problem
for many (either as bullies or targets), some students see it only
as something that affects the lives of others. It is something they
may see at school or in the neighborhood, but not something that they
experience from either side.
Questions of the Week:
What can those who are not directly involved do to help stop the problem?
How can these students help targets get help, and how can they help
create a school environment where bullying is not tolerated? While
there is the temptation not to get involved, how can these students
get involved in a constructive way that will create a safer and healthier
school environment for everyone.
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions.
Note: Due to increasing amounts of SPAM sent to this account, please include "QOW" in the subject line when sending me email.
I look forward to reading
what you have to say.
Health Community Coordinator
Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum