7 facts about bullying every parent should know

While youth is certainly a more carefree time of life, sometimes it's easy to forget how hard being a kid can be. When you're a kid, you're just trying to learn how life works. Finding your way in the world of grades and relationships is already challenging, but having to deal with a bully can be a major source of stress for kids. Keep reading to learn about the top seven facts about bullying in schools every parent should know. 

Why are bullying statistics important? 

Statistics help people see broad trends and patterns over time. They can help you understand your child's likely social landscape. Even so, it's important to remember that stats about bullying only reveal general trends, so you'll want to talk with your child to understand their individual experience with bullying. 

Top 7 facts about bullying every parent should know 

Learn the most important signs of bullying and strategies to help keep your kids safe.

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1. Over half of bullying situations can be stopped by peers

"If you see something, say something." Research shows that peer intervention is the best strategy for stopping bullies. Bystanders have a critical role in controlling bullying. They can egg it on and encourage it, or they can vocally object and report the situation. Second, research also shows that kids form their values from their peers. Talk about the idea of not being powerless against bullies with your kids and role-play situations where they use their voices for good to object and report. Remind them that physical intervention is not the solution.

Imagine the following scenario: A 14-year-old is verbally bullied in school by another student in front of a group of friends. That group of onlookers could either be an audience or a force for intervention. If the students laugh, the bully might enjoy the attention and continue. After all, bullies become bullies for multiple reasons, including personal insecurities. On the other hand, if someone from the group intervenes, statistics show this can stop the bullying about 60% of the time. Many school anti-bullying programs teach kids how to fill this role to stop bullying in its tracks. 

2. Around 20% of students ages 12–18 have been bullied

Nearly one out of every five middle school or high school-aged students will experience bullying behavior in schools. What's more, the bullying these kids suffer can have wide-ranging effects. Victims of bullying have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and poor performance in school. Surprisingly, bullies are also affected, showing similarly high rates of anxiety and depression. 

Bullying doesn't stop when the school day is over. In a recent survey, 37% of kids ages 12-17 reported being the victim of cyberbullying. Likewise, 53% of high-school-aged kids believe cyberbullying is a major problem, while another 40% see it as a small problem. Only about 7% think cyberbullying is not a problem faced by their peers. 

3. School staff witness bullying situations very often

The prevalence of bullying on school grounds is well established. According to one survey, 19% of students nationwide confirm being bullied on school property. A staggering 70% of adults on school grounds report having witnessed at least one form of bullying. Roughly 60% of teachers reported seeing two to three bullying incidents per month. This stat is even more concerning when you realize that most bullying in school happens away from adult supervision (more on that below). 

4. Kids skip school and lower their grades because of bullying

Since school is a common setting for bullying, it follows that kids may try to avoid school. When a child is bullied, their motivation and self-confidence can suffer, leading to poor academic performance. So, even if they attend class, bullying victims' grades may suffer. While it can be difficult to quantify, bullied teens and kids often struggle with academic achievement, seeing drops in both GPAs and test scores. 

5. Verbal harassment is the most common type of bullying

Verbal bullying is the most common form of bullying, but it's not the only kind your child may encounter. Of those who've experienced bullying, a stunning 79% reported being verbally attacked via name-calling or insults. Other forms of bullying are also more prevalent in different populations. For instance, 35% of middle school boys experience physical bullying. Likewise, a higher percentage of 12-18-year-old girls reported being the subject of rumors or exclusion from social circles.

Cyberbullying statistics can paint a bleak portrait of kids' growing online experience. Cyberbullying refers to bullying that occurs online via insults, threats, or the spreading of rumors. Online bullying is on the rise, with victim self-reporting rising 30% in the last five years. Even so, cyberbullying can be prevented.

6. Hallways and stairwells are where most school bullying occurs

Bullying at school is most likely to occur out of the watchful eye of adults. Statistically speaking, bullying is most likely to happen in hallways or stairwells (43%), classrooms (43%), or cafeterias (27%). Bullying happens in secluded areas simply because adults aren’t around. Likewise, classrooms and cafeterias are areas where teachers may be unable to overhear every conversation, creating a potential arena for bullying.  

7. Kids are less likely to report bullying as they get older

Less than half of students bullied in a school year reported the bullying to an adult at school. As kids get older, they tend to report bullying less frequently than their younger peers. Elementary-aged kids are the most likely to tell an adult, and high school-aged students are the least likely to approach a grownup. The reasons for this are often as complex as the relationships themselves. As kids get older, many tend to fear the social blowback that can come from "tattling" or "snitching." It’s also the time when kids learn how to solve their own problems, so they may want to learn how to deal with a bully without help from parents. 

Learn all you need to safeguard your kids and family

In the battle against bullying, facts are your best ally. These seven facts about bullying aren't pretty, but knowing what's out there can help you prepare your kids for the impact of bullying in their worlds. 

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