New Study Reveals Rampant Bullying in US Classrooms: News Roundup
Bullying is not new; every one of us has a story. But with the recent string of high-profile suicides involving anti-gay bullying and surprising results from a new study from the Josephson Institute of Ethics, everyone from parents to the President are realizing how serious an issue it truly is for our students.
The study surveyed 43,321 teens ages 15 to 18, from 78 public and 22 private schools. It found that in the past 12 months:
- 50% said they had "bullied, teased or taunted someone at least once."
- 47% had been "bullied, teased or taunted in a way that seriously upset me at least once."
- 52% of students have hit someone in anger.
- 28% (37% of boys, 19% of girls) say it's OK to hit or threaten a person who angers them.
- 33% said violence is a big problem at their school.
Michael Josephson, founder and president of the institute said, "If the saying, 'sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never harm me' was ever true, it certainly is not so today. Insults, name calling, relentless teasing, and malicious gossip often inflict deep and enduring pain" (CNN reports).
The same day the study was released, the Department of Education sent a warning to schools across the country that “failing to adequately address harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin could put them in violation with federal anti-discrimination laws” (KKTV 11 News reports).
Education Secretary Arne Duncan said, "No one should ever feel harassed or unsafe in school simply because they think or dress differently than others.…To every student who feels harassed, please know that you are not alone. Please know that there are people that love you. And please know that we will protect you" (KKTV 11 News reports).
Michigan is considering anti-bullying legislation and the Rhode Island Department of Education has scheduled an anti-bullying conference in November.
To reach those students being bullied and remind them that “it gets better,” the It Gets Better Project is collecting videos of everyone from Hillary Clinton to the Dixie Chicks to average Americans, telling students about their experiences being picked on when they were growing up. They were created in the wake of the high-profile suicides, but are relevant to any student who has been bullied.
President Obama even recorded one, saying, "We've got to dispel the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of passage" (White House reports).
Bullying, particularly related to religion, is something that we touch upon regularly in our trainings. When it comes to finding a solution to bullying, there are many pieces to the puzzle. And one piece is exposing students to difference – teaching them it’s the norm and something to be celebrated.
In other news:
Chaplains bring spiritual aspect to workplace Kansas City Star
More NJ school districts recognize Muslim holidays NorthJersey.com
– Caity Goodman
