According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 19.2% of American students aged 12 through 18 experienced bullying during the 2021–2022 school year.
Bullying leaves serious psychological scars that can impact all aspects of a student’s life. They can suffer from low self-esteem and withdraw from friends and family. Their education may also suffer; youths who are bullied skip school more often than those who are not.
Bullying in high schools is particularly pervasive, with much of it happening on school property. To deal with bullying, high school leaders and supporters must understand the problem and take the right steps to protect their students. Let’s look at this issue a bit more closely.
What Is Bullying in High School?
Bullying refers to unwanted or aggressive behavior in which there is a real or perceived power imbalance and which is repeated or contains a threat of potential repetition.
High school bullying takes a number of forms, such as
- Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, shoving, or harming property
- Verbal: Calling a classmate names or making cruel jokes at their expense
- Social: Ostracizing a classmate or spreading hurtful rumors
- Cyber/Digital: Sharing hurtful content on social media or other online spaces
Cyberbullying is one of the most pervasive problems among high school students. According to the Pew Research Center, 54% of teen girls aged 15 to 17 have experienced at least one cyberbullying incident.
Additionally, high schoolers who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community experience much higher rates of bullying in high schools than their heterosexual counterparts. Teen boys in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to suffer physical bullying, while teen girls tend to experience cyber and social bullying.
The Impact of Bullying on Students
Since students who experience bullying tend to be absent from school more often, they may underachieve academically. They’re also more likely to drop out of school.
Bullying also has a serious impact on a child’s self-esteem and mental health. Youths who are bullied can see themselves as less important and less worthy, potentially leading to the development of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Teens who have been bullied might find it more difficult to trust others and build friendships. They may prefer to isolate, which can worsen their mental health.
Signs That a Student May Be Experiencing Bullying
Although not every student will display obvious signs of being bullied, some behavioral and even physical changes can warn parents, teachers, and other members of a child’s support network that something is wrong.
Behavioral changes can include:
- Refusal to go to school
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of confidence
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Some physical signs of bullying are:
- Sleeping problems
- Lack of appetite or eating too much
- Injuries the teen can’t explain
- Damaged belongings
Academic signs can also point to bullying. If a teen skips classes, fails to complete their homework, or does badly in exams when that’s not the norm, adults around them should take heed.
Strategies for Responding to Bullies
Committed and sustained action can reduce bullying in high schools. Here are some ways to help.
1. Immediate Actions for Schools
Schools must have clear anti-bullying policies, and all students must be aware of them. School assemblies are one way to inform students about how to prevent bullying in high schools and where to get help.
The moment that a school learns of a bullying incident, teachers and administrators should take swift action. Any disciplinary steps should follow the school’s anti-bullying policies exactly.
2. Support for Victims
Because bullying in high schools can be so damaging for the victim, the school has to offer support as soon as possible. Counseling should be available and encouraged.
It’s a good idea for a school to have safe spaces and peer support groups set up. These groups can help prevent bullying in high schools by building a more positive environment. They also offer bullied teens a way to safely communicate what they’re struggling with.
3. Addressing Bullies
Usually, those who bully others are struggling with issues themselves. They can benefit from support, too. A good way to help these teenagers is to implement behavioral interventions and counseling.
Schools that focus on teaching empathy help students better connect with each other. Offering conflict resolution assistance can help, also. This kind of support can teach students how to manage interpersonal issues more effectively.
Prevention Strategies
One of the best ways to prevent bullying in high schools is to build a positive, supportive school culture. This means placing less value on competition and more on cooperation while also implementing strategies that are all about inclusivity.
Promoting a culture of cooperation might look like partnering students from different backgrounds for school-wide projects and encouraging student-led anti-bullying campaigns. At the same time, teachers and other staff members should undergo frequent training in how to recognize bullying so that they can take quick action when it’s necessary.
To address bullying in high schools, you also need to educate students on the consequences of bullying. They have to know how damaging it can be for the victim as well as the perpetrator — and how vital it is to stand up when they see a classmate suffering.
Combating Bullying in High Schools With Inclusiveness
Bullying in high schools can cause serious mental health concerns for victims and bullies. Finding new ways to prevent bullying has become a priority for many schools. One of the best ways of doing this is by fostering a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive school environment.
This is a school-wide endeavor. By helping students see one another as equals, no matter their backgrounds, empathy can grow, leaving no room for bullying. At Rachel’s Challenge, we can help you achieve this.
We offer programs both in person and online that show students and teachers how to promote a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Contact us to book an event for your school.
