Bullying is defined as unwanted and aggressive behavior among school-aged children, often marked by an actual or perceived imbalance of power. This behavior is typically repetitive or may recur over time. Bullying remains a prevalent issue in the United States; in 2022, nearly 20 percent of students in grades 9-12 reported experiencing bullying on school grounds.
According to data submitted to the Tennessee Department of Education, there were 13,377 reported cases of bullying to LEAs during the 2022-23 school year. After an investigation, approximately 44 percent of those cases (5,996) were confirmed as bullying. In 2024, bullying and cyberbullying were made a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee.
Bullying can take various forms, including physical aggression, verbal insults, relational manipulation, and social exclusion. It can also occur in digital spaces, referred to as cyberbullying. While any child can be affected, certain groups are more vulnerable, especially those with disabilities, socially isolated students, and individuals with noticeable physical differences or diverse cultural backgrounds. Bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep issues, lower academic achievement, and school dropout.
Cyberbullying occurs on digital platforms such as social media, gaming sites, and through text messages. Many students who experience cyberbullying also face bullying in person. This form of bullying can be particularly harmful, as digital platforms are always accessible, making it difficult for victims to find relief.
The longevity of online content can prolong the negative impacts on a victim's mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, because cyberbullying happens online, it can be more challenging for parents, caregivers, and teachers to recognize, monitor, and address these behaviors promptly. Families and educators can combat cyberbullying by educating youth on digital citizenship, setting clear guidelines for online behavior, understanding digital habits, and supporting children in developing emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills.
Research indicates that bullying is most common in elementary school, peaks during middle school, and gradually decreases as students transition to high school. The effects of bullying extend beyond the immediate victims, impacting perpetrators, bystanders, and the broader school community. Everyone in the school community must be aware and involved in addressing bullying. Consequences can include mental and physical health issues, increased substance use, academic challenges, heightened violence, and, tragically, even suicide.
Signs of Bullying and Cyberbullying
Several indicators may suggest a child is involved in bullying. By recognizing these signs, parents, guardians, educators, and other trusted adults can better identify and support affected students. Potential warning signs include:
Avoiding social situations or expressing a reluctance to attend school.
Displaying physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, unexplained injuries, or sleep difficulties.
Exhibiting changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or binge eating.
Expressing feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, or mentioning suicidal thoughts.
Altering device usage patterns and hiding screens when others are nearby.
Losing or damaging personal items like clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry.
Promoting a positive school culture, advocating healthy student behaviors, and establishing clear expectations can reduce bullying incidents and address related risk factors. Schools should adopt a comprehensive, community-oriented approach to address and reduce bullying in K-12 settings. This strategy should include immediate interventions, appropriate disciplinary actions, and supportive resources for severe cases. School administrators can be better prepared to tackle bullying by taking this approach.
Education leaders can improve their strategy by analyzing the frequency, location, and types of bullying behaviors. This analysis can help in developing targeted prevention and intervention plans. To prevent bullying, school staff should create a positive school environment, establish and enforce clear rules, and train staff to adopt a school-wide approach. In addition, it is essential to engage parents and youth to reinforce anti-bullying regulations. Together, we can make the school environment welcoming for everyone.
JC Bowman
Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee