Text 4HOPE to 741 741   |   CRISIS HOTLINE 1-800-354-4357

Bullying

Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.  Bullying includes threats, spreading rumors, attacking others physically or verbally, excluding someone from a group or purpose and cyberbullying.  The behavior is repeated over time.

How Bad is It?

  • One in four students report being bullied during the school year
  • 64% of children who were bullied did not report it
  • Nearly 20% of high school students report being cyberbullied at school in the past year

Signs Someone is Being Bullied:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, jewelry
  • Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or faking illness
  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares and changes in eating habits
  • Declining grades, not wanting to go to school
  • Sudden loss of friends
  • Self-destructive behaviors:  running away, self-harm, talk of suicide

Signs Someone is Bullying Others:

  • Getting too physical or verbal fights
  • Has friends who bully others
  • Is increasingly aggressive
  • Unexplained money or possessions
  • Sent to school administration or detention frequently

Why Don’t They Ask for Help:

  • Bullying makes one feel hopeless and they may fear being seen as weak or a tattletale
  • They may fear backlash
  • Bullying is humiliating and they don’t want to share the shame or risk the judgment of others
  • They are often already socially isolated and this makes them fear more so.
  • They may feel no one cares or understands

What Can Help?

  • School-based bullying programs decrease bullying by up to 25%
  • Improved supervision in schools
  • Paying attention to the signs and be willing to intervene on their behalf
  • Talk to children, let them know you are supportive and available

If you think your child is a victim of bullying or is bullying someone else, contact Southeast, Inc. at 740-695-9344 or Tri-County Help Center at 740-695-5441.   Services are available in Belmont, Harrison, and Monroe Counties.