The term “bullying” has been around forever. Generally defined as intentionally harming an individual or group that is relatively unable to defend itself. The simple fact is whether we choose to ignore it or prevent it, bullying is a form of abuse. So where does it start and when will it end? Signs have been posted around the school to report it, classes and meetings have been held to prevent it, does this mean that bullying has become an epidemic this year at Powell High School?
From the point of view of assistant principal, Tim Wormald, the answer is no. “There are some incidents of bullying that have occurred but living in a small community makes it seem a lot bigger than it really is. It’s not a problem but a perception that it’s going on more than it is.”
Wormald also stated “The objective is to focus on learning. When kids feel unsafe or bullied that’s not going to happen. We want a good environment to learn.”
Science teacher Wendy Smith, who has been teaching at Powell High School for over 20 years, commented, “You see bullying all the time, but this year is more than unusual. There are problems in every class of students but the freshman class seems to have more because of outward appearance.”
Smith also brought up the point that advances in technology have only sped up the processes of bullying. Cell phones, Facebook, and other quick messaging programs allow students to send a message in just seconds (cyber bullying). “Cell phones are definitely causing more problems,” stated Smith.
Recent statistics have shown that cyber bullying has victimized 33% of the United States youth. So what exactly is “cyber bullying?” It has been defined as willful and repeated harm inflicted through the medium of electronic text. Cyber bullying can happen in many different arenas such as e-mails, Web sites, text messaging, cell phones, three-way calling, video blogs and any other form of communication that occurs electronically. As technology advances so does rate of this bullying technique. Statistics have shown that the effects of Cyber victimization can be devastating. Poor grades, repeated school absences, emotional spirals, poor self-esteem, depression and in some cases suicide have all been outcomes of Cyber bullying. Yes, the outcomes are the same as real-life bullying, except in cyber bullying there is no escape. School ends at 3:20, but the internet is open 24/7.
No matter what the perception on bullying is at Powell High School, the truth is no form should be allowed or simply swept under the rug; actions need to take place in order to bring a stop to it. One of the actions that have taken place is the “No Harassment Agreement.” This is a simple agreement given to students if it is felt that the rules need to be re-enforced to them. This will only be taken into action if other forms of fixing the problem have not been effective such OSS, ISS and Saturday school or settling meetings.
Nationally, almost 30% of youth in the United States (over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both. In a recent national survey of students in grades 6-10, 13% reported bullying others, 11% reported being the target of bullies, and another 6% said that they bullied others and were bullied themselves. Recent bullying statistics admit that half of all bullying incidents go unreported. 1 out of 4 kids is bullied. An American Justice Department school bullying statistics studies shows that this month 1 out of every 4 kids will be abused by another youth.