Bullying in America: When even home isn't safe
Bullying, it seems, has taken cues from the 24-hour news cycle—it's relentless. And, as the ever-expanding list of taunts that were once private and off limits grows, the effects of bullying are far more damaging than bruising one's self-esteem.
Now thanks to Twitter® and FacebookTM, a parent's loving hug only serves as a temporary respite from the viral tempest of teen angst and insults. In today's digital age, kids and young adults are confronted with their tormentors' cruelty—for all the world to see—on smartphones, social media sites and YouTubeSM.
A recent study by the Family and Work Institute found that one third of youth are bullied at least once a month, and six out of 10 American teens witness bullying at least once a day (National Crime Prevention Council, n.d.).
The tragic effects of bullying
The incessant taunting coming from a barrage of outlets has led some students to take their own lives. The Associated Press reports that since 2003, at least 12 children and young adults between the ages of 11 and 18 have killed themselves after falling victim to some form of "cyber bullying" (Mulvihill and Henry, 2010). This phenomenon is so prevalent, it's become known as "bullycide."
Bullycide is gaining national attention following the death of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers freshman who jumped to his death after his roommate secretly filmed Clementi having sex with another man and posted the video online.
Clementi's death is among the handful of high-profile teen suicides in the past five years. Early this year, 15-year-old Phoebe Prince, a Massachusetts teen, killed herself after being harassed by a group of classmates dubbed the "Mean Girls" who were motivated by jealousy. Four years ago, 13-year-old Megan Meier killed herself after an online crush turned out to be a cruel hoax spearheaded by a neighbor's mother.
What can be done to stop it?
The National Crime Prevention Council says parents can play a large role in preventing bullying and stopping it when it occurs.
Parents, the NCPC says, should be mindful that:
- Bullies beget bullies. Kids who witness bullying and gossiping at home are likely to mimic that behavior at school.
- Self esteem is the best defense. Children who are praised and receive positive feedback are empowered with the self-confidence to stand up for their beliefs.
- Active parenting is key. Take an interest in your child's daily activities, social life and personal problems.
- Paying attention is the best prevention. Check to see that anti-bullying policies are in place at your child's school. If they're not, consider supporting a bullying prevention program with the help of other parents, teachers and concerned adults.
To learn more about bullying, see the related article “Bullying: The price of being different.”
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