Bullying: A Repetitious Epidemic

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“New bullying statistics for 2010 revealed about one in seven students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade is either a bully or has been a victim of bullying” (“Bullying Statistics 2010”). How does a person detect whether someone is being bullied? “A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself” (Olweus). Bullying takes place more in middle school because they are trying to fulfill a strong need for power, fit-in with their peers, and satisfy their pain. “Fear of being excluded by peers leads to by-standing, if the teen is aware of a bullying situation and decides to stay away or not get involved” (Vassar 26). Bully victims are targeted due to their sexuality, gender, religion, disabilities, and interests. 71 percent of the victims report bullying as an on-going problem. The effects of bullying can be best understood through the types of bullying, consequences of bullying, and legal policies prohibiting all forms of bullying.

“School bullying can be physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, racial, religious, [cyber] or a combination of these forms” (Vassar 19). Physical bullying involves: hitting, pushing, tripping, slapping, and spitting; physical bullying may cross the line of sexual bullying. It is a serious problem that is affecting the bully, victim, and witnesses. This usually occurs with males and also can happen with females, whom are usually stronger than their victims. Middle school is the age when bullying is common because they are attempting to fit in with others their age. Signs of someone who is a victim of bullying include: damaged clothing, returning home with cuts, bru...

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