It’s heartbreaking for any New York parent to learn that their child is being bullied. Sadly, school bullying occurs more often than many think. These are some statistics on bullying and how it affects kids.
Rates of school bullying
Although many people don’t think it happens to their kids, school bullying occurs at an alarming rate. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, about one out of five students claims to have been the target of bullying at school. This number equates to just over 20% of all students.
Male students experience more physical bullying than female students. The numbers compare 6% for male students versus 4% for female students. Female students claim to experience more verbal bullying or deliberately being excluded from events or activities.
Cyberbullying has significantly increased due to everything being online. Around 15% of all students between the ages of 12 and 18 stated that they were bullied this way during their school year. Some of these situations occurred online and some via text messages. Approximately 15% also experienced cyberbullying during the year prior.
Effects of bullying
School bullying has serious effects on victims. Children who experience bullying are more likely to suffer mental health problems like anxiety or depression and experience problems sleeping. They also have lower academic performance and are likelier to drop out of school to escape the bullying. However, those who perpetrate bullying are also more likely to have mental health issues.
Students receiving bullying are more likely to have lower self-esteem and difficult relationships with family and friends. In the worst-case scenario, persistent bullying can cause the victim to attempt suicide or succeed at it.
Parents who suspect or know their child is being bullied must be proactive. Taking charge and taking action might make all the difference in the world for your child.