Bullying and Its Consequences
"The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?"
Bully is defined as a noun: "a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker" and a verb: "to use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force him or her to do what one wants".
John Halligan will be doing an evening presentation at Stowe High School on March 21st on bullying. Parents and kids are strongly encouraged to attend this evening presentation.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-halligan-bullying-cyberbullying-and-teen-depression-ticket[...]326
Bullying is likely the most widespread form of abuse yet it often remains unrecognized and unaddressed. Childhood bullying is as harmful as childhood sexual or physical abuse. In a recent study, researchers analyzed data from 5,616 youths with lifetime histories of one or more of three types of abuse: psychological maltreatment (emotional abuse or emotional neglect), physical abuse and sexual abuse. Most had a history of psychological maltreatment, and 1/4 of all the cases were exclusively psychological maltreatment, which the study defined as care-giver inflicted bullying, terrorizing, coercive control, severe insults, debasement, threats, overwhelming demands, shunning and/or isolation.
The Vermont 2015 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey of middle school and high school students showed that nearly 50% of middle school students have been bullied at school in addition to those bullied online. Related to bullying, though not always a direct cause, are mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts or attempts. This is a huge problem in Vermont. This survey shows a disturbing trend:
For High School Students
• 24% of students reported feeling sad or hopeless for at least two weeks in the past 12 months, increased from 2013
• 17% purposefully hurt themselves in the past 12 months, increased from 2013
• 12% of students made a suicide plan, increased from 2013 and 2011
• 6% of students attempted suicide, increased from 5% in 2013
For Middle School Students
• 20% of students were so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities, increased 2013
• 18% of students have seriously thought about committing suicide
• 12% of students have made a suicide plan, increased from 2013
• 6% attempted suicide in their lifetime, increased from 2011
"Given the prevalence of childhood psychological abuse and the severity of harm to young victims, it should be at the forefront of mental health and social service training," said study lead author Joseph Spinazzola, PhD, of The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, Brookline, Massachusetts.
Prevention, Education and Awareness
In a recent article, Jeremy Sibold, Ed.D., associate professor at the University of Vermont, Burlington, analyzed data from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey and found that the more students exercised, the less likely they were to feel sad or suicidal, particularly if they were the victims of bullies, analysis of a population health survey has shown.
At the websites, https://www.stopbullying.gov/ and http://www.netsmartz.org/Parents, there are great resources on bullying including online bullying, how to report bullying, and an online course on bullying awareness and prevention. Another great resource is at the American Psychological Association. And always remember to three gatekeepers of communication: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
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