Bullying Bullying is a growing epidemic plaguing our schools. As a victim of bullying in the early 2000’s, I’m personally aware of the vast increase in bullying over the years. Bullying has progressed from just the school site to multiple types of social media. One would think the consequence for bullying would be most severe for the actually bully. However, research proves the victims of bullying are the ones who suffer the ultimate consequences. The 2015 Florida Statues define bullying (including cyberbullying) as; “systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve: teasing, social exclusion, threat, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, theft, sexual, religious, …show more content…
We like to think the internet and social media are perfect tools to aid students in getting homework tutoring and conducting research. When the internet and social media are used to threaten, humiliate, tease or taunt another student, cyberbullying occurs. Some of the acts are posting private photos or information, tricking a student to reveal private information, spreading lies or rumors, posing as someone they are not or forwarding malicious messages. Cyberbullying can occurs through e-mails, text messages, instant messaging, web pages, web blogs or chat and discussion rooms. With children having access to cell phones at a younger and younger age, the prominence of cyberbullying at even younger ages has the chance to increase. The problem with enforcing cyberbullying violations is they often occur outside the normal school day and can be very difficult to prove the violator. Additionally, technology has made it possible for bullies to attack any time and without distance …show more content…
This statistic, “School-based bullying prevention programs decrease bullying by up to 25%” (NoBullying.org, 2015) shows how effective a school-based code of conduct for bullying can help students feel safe physically and emotionally while at school. The more detailed the school- based program is, the more learning and growing that can take place at school. The best way to stop bullying is to catch it before it starts. Bullying can be prevented if there are policies and procedures in place at the school and district level. This not only helps identify bullying but it places everyone on the same page. As a teacher, I have not received any formal education or training on bullying. Education for teachers and staff can be another way to identify and stop bullying. Often times, students are told to stick up for themselves and tell the bully how they feel or what they want the bully to do. This all sounds good, but for a young child to actually put this into practice can be very difficult. Educating students and families through role play activities not only for victims of bullying but for actual bullies as well can help reduce the incidence of bullying. Having schools focus on social skills is another area that could help reduce the intensity of school age bullying. If students encompass the ability to speak and treat one another with respect, bullying can be stopped before it even becomes a problem. Building