In middle school, which ranges from ages 11-13, bullying is a common practice among the students. It is impossible to limit bullying to one race, age group, sex, or sexual orientation for that matter because it can happen to anyone (M. Beltre-Domingos, personal communication, January 27, 2016). However, Wang, Iannotti, Nansel (2009) state that, “Studies on direct and indirect bullying have consistently shown that boys are more involved in direct bullying, whereas girls are more involved in indirect bullying” (p. 268). In some ways it is difficult to control bullying, especially when students fail to report it out of fear of retaliation. To some degree, the bully has to be seen as a victim as well because such deplorable behavior does not come out of thin air. M. Beltre-Domingos also emphasizes that:
When students come from emotionally stable homes, where they are able to speak freely about their feelings and are acknowledged by their parents, violence or disrespectful behavior will
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A child's character is developed through the influence of their home life and their nearby environment (Henderson & Thompson, 2016). And so, the responsibility of instructing kids in the right way begins at home. If students are living and witnessing violence and are applauded for bullying behaviors, then parents are only igniting the problem rather than dissolving it. Each person that works with children or adolescents have a responsibility to every child they come in contact with. Swearer, Espelage, & Vaillancourt, 2010 consider that, "The links between peer victimization and achievement are complicated at the individual level, and yet researchers have shown that school-based bullying prevention efforts can positively enhance school performance and achievement" (p.