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STATISTICS & INFORMATION   

      “Every 7 minutes a child is bullied; 85% of the time there is no intervention of any kind" (Solutions for bullying). This startling statistic only shows a fraction of the issue that is present in every elementary school around the world. Of all those children being bullied, “160,000 miss school" (Solutions for bullying) as a result. What could be the cause? Research shows that “Schools that had a more intense bullying atmosphere, passing rates on standardized tests in such subjects as algebra, earth science, and world history were 3% to 6% lower" (Solutions for bullying). Despite all of this, there is some hope; research also shows that, “In schools where there are bullying programs bullying is reduced by 50%" (Solutions for bullying). What do all these statistics show? Bullying in schools, especially elementary schools, is a growing problem. However, uncovering the underlying causes of bullying in Elementary Schools and implementing bullying programs can greatly reduce of growth of the problem.

   

        Bullying in schools only just began to get researched in the 1970’s and current research shows that younger children between the ages of 5 to 8 tend to be the victims of bullying by older children between the ages of 9 to 11 (Bidwell, 1). When I discuss schools, I am talking about Elementary Schools in the United States. The term bullying is defined as consistent, frequent attacks socially, mentally, physically, psychologically, or emotionally from one child to another. When I mention bullying I am referencing the definition above that is occurring in elementary schools, particularly grades 2-5. The term standardized testing is referring to the “No Child Left Behind Act” that requires schools to give standardized tests in order to receive funding. When I examine other ways that children can be developed, I am speaking about them being developed emotionally, mentally, socially, and psychologically. Points of controversy with this topic are the fact that bullying rates have increased since the Act was put in place. Furthermore, the requirements for standardized testing have forced schools and teachers to focus more on academic growth of children and less on developing children in other ways.

        Some short and long-term effects that bullying has on children are: 

• having a bad self- image 
• isolation 
• social problems 
• behavioral problems
• poor academic achievement

      I believe that schools should implement anti-bullying programs and focus on developing children in other ways besides academically. While parents, students, faculty, superintendents, former bully victims, psychologists, family, the government, and former bullies have a stake on this topic, I have chosen to address teachers and schools. Schools and teachers should implement anti-bullying programs and develop children in other ways besides just academically.

      Bullying must be addressed and fixed because not only are bully victims affected, but bullies are as well. Various ways that bullies can be impacted by bullying later in life are:

1. "Bullies identified by age 8 are six times more likely to be convicted of a crime by 24 years of age and five times more likely than non-bullies to end up with serious criminal records by age 30" (Bullying Statistics). 
2. "If interventions don’t occur before a child turns 8, the child is likely to develop delinquent behavior and require more intensive and expensive programs later in life" (Bullying Statistics).