During the month of October, we recognize National Bullying Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the serious issue of bullying and its impact on our youth. School nurses, in particular, are on the front lines of this issue, often seeing the physical and emotional consequences of bullying firsthand.
The CDC defines bullying as any “unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated[1].” This includes physical abuse, verbal abuse, social stigma (spreading of rumors), and destruction of property.
Unfortunately, bullying (which includes electronic, or “cyber bullying”) is widespread in the U.S. About 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property. More than 1 in 6 high school students reported being bullied electronically in the last year. Nearly 50% of tweens (9 to 12 years old) said they experienced bullying at school and 14.5% of tweens shared they experienced bullying online[2].
The Health Impacts of Bullying
Bullying can have a devastating, lasting impact on a child’s health and well-being. Victims of bullying are more likely to experience:
- Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.
- Academic problems: Difficulty concentrating, declining grades, and school avoidance.
- Long-term consequences: Increased risk of substance abuse, relationship problems, and difficulty holding a job.
These effects can last well into adulthood, highlighting the importance of early intervention and prevention.
Recognizing the Signs
Identifying bullying can be challenging, as children often suffer in silence. Be vigilant for these potential signs:
- Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, or scratches that the child cannot or will not explain.
- Lost or damaged belongings: Frequently “losing” or having belongings damaged.
- Changes in behavior: Becoming withdrawn, anxious, or irritable.
- School avoidance: Reluctance to go to school or participate in activities.
- Physical symptoms: Complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or difficulty sleeping.
- Changes in eating habits: Loss of appetite or overeating.
- Decline in academic performance: Difficulty concentrating or declining grades.
5 Steps: How School Nurses Can Help
When a student discloses bullying, it’s crucial to respond with empathy and support. Here are some steps you can take:
- Listen and validate: Create a safe space for the student to share their experience without judgment.
- Assess for safety: Determine if the student is in immediate danger and take necessary steps to ensure their safety.
- Document the incident: Keep detailed records of the bullying incident, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses.
- Develop a plan: Work with the student, parents, and school staff to create a plan to address the bullying. This may include:
- Contacting the bully’s parents: Facilitate a meeting to discuss the behavior and its impact.
- Implementing school-wide prevention programs: Promote a culture of kindness and respect through activities and education.
- Providing counseling and support: Refer the student to a counselor or therapist for additional support.
- Follow up: Check in with the student regularly to monitor their well-being and ensure the bullying has stopped.
By working together, we can create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Let’s use National Bullying Awareness Month as a springboard for ongoing efforts to prevent and address bullying in our schools.
For additional information and resources, we recommend exploring these organizations for information, toolkits, research, and advice:
- StopBullying.gov: https://www.stopbullying.gov/
- PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org/
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[1] https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/about-bullying.html
[2] https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/stats.asp