Why is bullying a growing problem? Bullying is a serious growing problem because it not only affects adults, but it affects children even more. According to Bullying Statistics, “One in seven students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade is either a bully or has been a victim of bullying.” Consistent bullying has short term and long term effects on children. We, as a people, need to help prevent bullying. By educating ourselves and being more aware, we can prevent this violent act against children. There are various types of bullying, verbal, physical, and cyber, that are affecting our children today.
While some argue that words do not hurt, others contend that words are the basis for verbal bullying. The definition of verbal bullying, as defined by Bullying Statistics, is “to degrade and demean the victim, while making the aggressor look dominant and powerful.” The bully’s main focus is to put the victim in a situation where they are less powerful. Based on a survey rendered to a Developmental English class, 75 percent say that “Verbal bullying is the most predominant type of bullying that they have witnessed or been the subject of.” Verbal bullying can be hard to catch or identify, due to the lack of evidence. Verbal bullying includes things such as name calling and harassment about their sexuality, race, disability, or weight. Name calling is, sometimes, perceived to be teasing, not bullying. It is bullying, if the victim takes offense to it. Persistent name calling and harassment can lead to other forms of bullying, like physical.
Contrary to the old saying, “Boys will be boys” physical bullying is real. Physical bullying affects all people involved and not involved. It affects the bully, and the victim, but it also affects the bystanders. Physical bullying is hurting or damaging another person’s body or belongings. Bullying Statistics does not consider