Bullying in School Has Become Serious Issue Essay Example

Bullying in School Has Become Serious Issue Essay Example Bullying in School Has Become Serious Issue Essay Bullying in School Has Become Serious Issue Essay Essay Topic: Middle School Is bullying a part of a more normal aspect of children’s behavior? Has bulling become a more serious problem? The answer is yes! I remember that at one point in my middle school years, I was bullied. Fortunately it didn’t get too serious because my parents moved me from the school I was attending. Not everyone has that luck. CNN reported Just prior to his death he was stripped nude, tied up and again placed into a trashcan, (Kuo, 2011, para. 4). This happened to Jon Carmichael, 13, who committed suicide, hanging himself after being bullied. Bullying is defined as when a teen’s behavior is purposefully meant to harm or disturb another child, when it occurs repeatedly over time. Further, bullying behaviors include anything from verbal belittling regarding race, looks or speech, hitting, pushing or slapping. It also includes rumors, sexual comments or gestures. Many argue that there is no real way to prevent bullying. Kids will be kids and that is all there is to it. But, because of the incredibly negative effects that have recently been found to occur to the victims of bullying, there has been an active effort to limit bullying. The solutions are easy ones, and easy to practice. Often times, students fall victim to the bystander effect, simply by letting the bullying occur. It is in the hands of the kids and the teachers. The teachers need to listen and watch. They have to pick up on the clues that a child is being bullied. As for students, to embrace the victim is to tell the bully that what they are doing is unacceptable. The bully will stop if the bully knows that they are not getting the kind of attention they sought through bullying. It is a group effort, and an effort that is worth it. According to Indicators of School Crime Safety, bullying continues to be a serious problem, particularly in middle schools, where 10% of students in grades 6 and 7 reported to be bullied, compared to 5% of students in grades 8 and 9, (Indicators of School Crime Safety, 2000, p. 13). Parents also have to get involved in the situation. First, listen to your child. Many fail to do this. Just talking about the problem and knowing that you care can be helpful and comforting. Make sure that your child knows that you do not blame or feel disappointed in him or her. Encourage your child not to retaliate against the bully or to let the bully see how much he or she has upset your child. Getting a response just reinforces the bullying behavior. Tell your child that if at all possible, he or she should stay calm and respond evenly or firmly. Some children find it works to just say nothing and walk away. At other times, it can be more effective to make a joke, laugh at oneself, or to use humor to defuse the situation. Finally, encourage your child to go immediately to a teacher, principal or any other nearby adult. Bullied victims should be encouraged to form strong friendships. Those who have loyal friends are less likely to be singled out by a bully. So, yes! Bullying has become a serious problem that can lead to death. It is important for parents, teachers and principals to increase supervision on students. Parents need to know who their child is spending time with. Schools need an anonymous hotline line, in which students can report any bullying. If the bullying continues, you need to seek help for your child. Without intervention, bullying can lead to serious academic, social, emotional and legal difficulties. Talk to your childs pediatrician, teacher, principal, school counselor, or your family physician. If the bullying continues, a comprehensive evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional should be arranged. The evaluation can help you and your child understand what is causing the bullying and help you develop a plan to stop the destructive behavior.