Running Head: BULLYING

Bullying
Kierra Grant
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

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It is every parents worst nightmare; to be notified that their childs sudden death was a
result of bullying. There are several types of bullying; physical, cyber, and verbal to name a few.
When coping with being bullied some children develop low self-esteem and have a difficult time
befriending others, or developing trusting relationships. Bullies tend to pick at individuals for
various reasons such as; clothing, sexuality, and appearance. According to the National
Resource Center for Safe Schools in Portland, Oregon, 30% of American children are regularly
involved in bullying, either as bullies, or victims (Characteristics of Victims, 2014). Bullying
percentages have increased over the years and should definitely be addressed.
Physical bullying can occur in many places, with school being the most popular. Bullies
tend to physically attack their victims by hitting, pushing, spitting, tripping, or stealing from
them. Many are also victims of sexual assault or harassment. Nearly 61% of victims who have
been harassed or assaulted failed to report the incident to the school administration (Bullying and
Homosexuality, 2007). Many feel that schools respond poorly to bullying. A high percentage of
students believe that adult help is infrequent and ineffective (11 Facts About Bullying, 2014).
As a result many choose to take matters into their own hands, leading to such events as school
shootings.
Cyber bullying is a type of bullying when an individual is being hassled, disgraced, or
threatened through technology. Those who are cyber bullied are more likely to commit suicide
and suffer from low self-esteem. Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for
depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and poor school adjustment (Center for Disease Control,
2012). Numerous ways have been discovered to prevent cyber bullying. It is best to encourage
adolescents to save any messages or evidence as proof. Individuals should also be encouraged to
inform an adult about their situation. Only 15% of parents think that their child is safe online

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(Cyber bullying Statistics, 2014). Parents failing to monitor their childrens internet usage,
allows them to become vulnerable or targets of bullying because of lack of supervision. 65% of
children go online without any parental supervision (Cyber bullying Statistics, 2014).
Verbal bullying consists of name calling, insulting, sexist or homophobic comments,
teasing, etc. Verbal bullying can affect ones self image, and affect someone in an emotional
and psychological way (Effects of verbal bullying, 2013). This type of bullying can be just as, if
not more damaging than physical bullying. Bullying focuses on creating a situation where the
aggressor is the dominating factor and preys on individuals, who they feel are inferior to them
(Verbal Bullying, 2013). When verbally bullying someone, many rude things and words are
being exchanged. It is important that, when speaking to one another you pay attention to what it
is your saying, to prevent any confrontations.
Bullies tend to target those who have mental disorders and who are mentally weaker than
them. Some mental illnesses most commonly associated with bullying include suicide,
depression, bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, eating disorders, etc (National Alliance on Mental
Illness, 2013). Up to 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide (Statistics on
Suicide, 2013). Parents or administrators should not only protect those who have mental
disorders, but the entire student body. Also an after school club should be formed, so students
can express their emotions or problems with groups of peers who share the same problems.
On April 27, 2013 my classmate committed suicide. He was a victim of bullying.
Knowing that bullying was a partial factor in his death was a heavy load to carry. When losing
someone close to you due to bullying, you begin to think what could I have done to help them?
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths

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per year, according to the CDC (Statistics on bullying and suicide, 2013). When feeling alone
the victim chooses to commit suicide as a solution, so they no longer have to deal with their
attacker. If people were more concerned, there could possibly not be as many suicides or bullies.
Bullying has become more common in our society. It is important that teachers,
administrators, parents, and friends reach out and help those who are being bullied, and inform
them that it is okay to ask for help. Victims of bullying fear that if they report their abuser then
the harassment will only increase. Bullying will always be a matter of major concern. Effective
measures have been put into place; however, more work is left to be done to prevent future cases.
There are several websites, fundraisers, and Motivational Speakers who lobby for victims of
bullying. Fabian Ramirez was picked on in middle school and grew up feeling that it was
important to share his experience with young individuals (Anti Bullying Program, 2014).
Throughout his speeches he uses humor and acts out how he was picked on, hoping to show
students the importance of why they should not bully (Anti Bullying Program, 2014).
Victims sometimes feel more safe or comfortable with people who have experienced
bullying, when sharing with them their story. There are various solutions to prevent bullying
such as; moving schools, getting help, changing a phone number, standing up to the bully, etc.
Even though standing up to the bully may not stop the crime from taking place, you may gain
respect and be left alone. It is obvious that bullies will never stop attacking, but it is best to keep
a positive attitude and continue hoping that they as well as the crime itself can someday become
history.

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References
1. "Bullying, Cyberbullying & Suicide Statistics." Megan Meier Foundation. N.p., 2014.
Web. 29 Nov. 2014. <http://www.meganmeierfoundation.org/statistics.html>.
2. "Bullying and Suicide." - Bullying Statistics. N.p., 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
<http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html>.
3. "Can Bullying Ever Be Stopped?" Wall Street. Business News, 06 Nov. 2013. Web. 02
Dec. 2014. <http://www.wall-street.com/2013/11/06/can-bullying-ever-stopped/>.
4. "Cyberbullying and Bullying Statistics 2014, Finally!" No BullyingExpert Advice On
Cyber Bullying School Bullying. N.p., 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
<http://nobullying.com/cyberbullying-bullying-statistics-2014-finally/>.
5. "11 Facts About Bullying." DoSomething.org. N.p., 2014. Web. 02 Dec. 2014.
<https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-bullying>.