We all can help make school safe for all students
Between 40 and 80 percent of students experience bullying at some point, according to the American Psychological Association. But only 20 to 40 percent of those who are bullied actually report it. Bullying can happen to anyone. According to Wake County Schools’ board policy, it is “any repeated, systematic pattern of gestures or written, electronic, or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication.” Schools respond to bullying on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus or in other situations involving students.
What can you do?
Here are some options, according to Stopbullying.gov:
- If it is safe, speak up. Say “Stop it” or something similar.
- Tell an adult you trust (such as counselors, teachers or parents). They may have ideas about what you can do.
- Walk away. Act like you do not care, even if you do.
- Stick together. Staying with a group can help. Be a friend to a person being bullied. Talk with them.
- Set a good example. Do not bully others.
And if you’re being bullied, remember...
- You are not alone.
- It is not your fault. Nobody should be bullied!
- Talk to someone you trust. Your counselors are willing to help you.
- Do not hurt yourself.
- Do not let the bully win. Keep doing what you love to do.