Bullying

Bullying is unwanted aggressive direct or overt behavior among school age kids that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. This behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated by an individual or a group of individuals.

Bullying impacts everyone: bystanders; the one who is bullied; the one who is bullying; and school staff. Calling the TELL Lifeline and talking with a phone counselor about your experience with bullying  is one way that may help you feel less alone.  Some schools here in Japan have policies regarding bullying which might be beneficial in you gaining even more support.

Studies in several countries have shown that:

• Around 15 – 25% of students in schools are involved in bullying;
• About 15% are bullied on a regular basis;
• Around 50% of all young people experience bullying in some form during their school years.

For more information on the prevalence of bullying:

• http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/2/128
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7S8HAfDzk
• http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/nov/20/other-countries-tackle-bullying
• https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00855/

Bullying can take several forms including:

• Physical bullying : hitting, pushing, spitting, destroying someones personal property;
• Verbal bullying: name calling, threats, inappropriate sexual comments;
• Social-emotional bullying: spreading rumors, excluding someone from activities;
• Cyberbullying:  harassing text messages, social media posts including embarrassing photos and setting up fake profiles

For further resources and information about bullying and cyberbullying :

• http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html
• https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/cyber-bullying-statistics

StopBullying.gov provides information from various American government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.

• http://www.pacer.org/bullying/

Founded in 2006, PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center actively leads social change, so that bullying is no longer considered an accepted childhood rite of passage. PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students.

• http://www.childline.org.uk/Explore/Bullying/Pages/Bullying.aspx

A UK agency that works with young people experiencing a variety of issues including bullying. They offer resources and help through a dedicated child helping line via phone, email, text or chat.

• https://www.autoenrolment.co.uk/guides/workplace-bullying

A comprehensive guide to workplace bullying. Some UK focus that is irrelevant here in Japan, but lots of other useful information.

• http://www.thebullyproject.com/

The social action campaign inspired by the award-winning film BULLY.