Bullying and How to Prevent It (pt 1)

Tweet

THE PROBLEM Bullying takes many forms and seems to have become an epidemic in America. “Based on the high level of American youth involvement in the bullying phenomena, research on perpetration and victimization has increased over the past decade. Evidence suggests that between 28% and 32% of American school children experience some level of victimization at school”. (Rose, 2011, p. 3). When delving into this problem, one would find that every bully and every victim has a story that has contributed to the child’s position as bully or victim. In light of the fact that bullying continues to take on many different shapes, the task to prevent and control bullying seems overwhelming. In 2003, the movie HANGMAN’S CURSE, based on a novel by Frank Peretti, was released. The movie portrayed the problematic bullying in a public school and the length victims would go to in order to get revenge. Although this movie is fictional, the trues stories it parallels are numerous. It relays some of the ingredients that goes into one becoming a bully or a victim. I know that most have had some interaction with a bully or we know someone who has. I would like to do a series of posts that explores the what goes into one taking on a bully or a victim mentality and how to remedy those situations. Has anyone ever dealt with a bully? If so, what empowered you to break free from that situation?