Some facts, stories, and statistics about bullying!

We all know about bullying & cyber bullying and who gets bullied from the assemblies, classes, & talks we have had. But today I want to talk about facts, real stories, and statistics.

Ask yourself: How does bullying make people feel?

One of the most painful aspects of bullying is that it is relentless One of the most painful aspects of bullying is that it is relentless. Most people can take one episode of teasing or name calling or being shunned at the mall. However, when it goes on and on, bullying can put a person in a state of constant fear.

Bullying behaviors should be addressed before it interferes with the health, academics, or learning process of students. Guys and girls who are being bullied find their schoolwork & health suffering as a result of the stress that comes from being bullied.

Studies show that people who are abused by their peers are at risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety. They may also think more about suicide.

Bullies are at risk for problems, too Bullies are at risk for problems, too. Bullying is violence, and it often leads to more violent behavior as the bully grows up. It’s estimated that 1 out of 4 elementary school bullies will have a criminal record by the time they are 30. Some teen bullies end up being rejected by their peers and lose friendships as they grow older. Bullies may also fail in school and not have the career or relationship success that other people enjoy.

Remember bullying survival tips we’ve learned: Ignore the bullies & walk away Hold the anger: getting upset is exactly what the bully wants Don’t get physical Practice confidence Take charge of your life Talk about it to a parent, teacher, or friend Find your (true) friends

In 2008, a 13 year old boy hanged himself after he was bullied for being a fan of Emo music.

In 2009, a 17 year old boy shot himself after being bullied relentlessly about being gay.

In 2010, a 15 year old Irish immigrant killed herself after relentless bullying and cyber bullying all because some people didn’t like that she had been dating a certain boy – 9 teens are facing charges in connection with her death.

And most recently, most of you have probably heard about Jamey Rodenmeyer from Williamsville, who, on September 18, ended his life because of being bullied relentlessly about being gay. He was only 14 years old.

You may or may not like Lady Gaga, but you can’t deny that she is currently one of the most watched and influential artists of our time. Last weekend, she dedicated her song “Hair” to Jamey at the iheart Radio Festival.

Lady Gaga really takes a stand against bullying and says that “your identity is all you have in school. . .” don’t let anyone take it from you!

People that are bullied do not deserve what is happening! BULLYING IS NOT OK!

BULLYING STATISTICS 1 out of 4 teens are bullied 60% of middle school students say that they have been bullied As many as 160,000 students stay home on any given day because they’re afraid of being bullied 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some “bullying” 43% fear harassment in the bathroom at school A poll of teens, ages 12-17, proved that they think violence increased at their schools

282,000 students are physically attacked in middle schools each month (statistics con’t) 282,000 students are physically attacked in middle schools each month 80% of the time, an argument with a bully will end up in a physical fight 30% of students who reported they had been bullied said they had, at times, brought a weapon to school 1/3 of the students surveyed said they heard another student threaten to kill someone

A bully is 6 times more likely to be put in jail by the age of 24 (statistics con’t) A bully is 6 times more likely to be put in jail by the age of 24 A bully is 5 times more likely to have a serious criminal record when he/she grows up 20% of high school students say they have seriously considered suicide within the last 12 months In schools where there are bullying programs, bullying is reduced by 50%

Cyber-bullying Statistics 43% of kids have been bullied while online 97% of middle schoolers are bullied while online 35% of kids have been threatened online 21% of kids have received mean or threatening e-mail or other messages 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online 53% of kids admit having said something mean or hurtful to another person online 58% have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online

Working together, we can build a community of respect!

We need to speak up, support, and take a stand We need to speak up, support, and take a stand. . . If you don’t stop bullying, who will???

Skyscraper Skies are crying, I am watching Catching teardrops in my hands Only silence, as it's ending Like we never had a chance Do you have to make me feel like There's nothing left of me? You can take everything I have You can break everything I am Like I'm made of glass Like I'm made of paper Go on and try to tear me down I will be rising from the ground Like a skyscraper Like a skyscraper

Resolution of Respect (a pledge) We pledge, from this day forward, to do our best to combat prejudice and to stop those who violate the civil rights of others. We will seek to understand those who are different. We believe that one person can make a difference and that no person should stand by when it comes to opposing hate. We will speak out against prejudice and discrimination. We will reach out to those who are victims of hate. We know that we must all promote harmony, equality, and respect.

Works Cited kidshealth.org facs.pppst.com pacerkidsagainstbullying.org behavioral-management.com stompoutbullying.com