Bullying in Schools: Understanding the Issue and Supporting All Students

Bullying in Schools: Understanding the Issue and Supporting All Students

BY: Tavinder BAins, MS, LMHC-A

Bullying continues to be a serious concern in schools across the United States and around the world. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2023), about 1 in 5 students (20%) report being bullied at school. Bullying takes many forms, including physical aggression, verbal harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying. These experiences often lead to anxiety, depression, academic struggles, and long-term emotional harm.

While much attention is rightfully given to supporting victims, it’s important to recognize that both the victim and the bully need help. Research shows that students who engage in bullying behaviors often struggle with their own issues—such as exposure to violence, lack of positive role models, or difficulties with self-esteem and emotional regulation. Without intervention, these students may continue harmful behaviors into adulthood.

Collaborative Efforts to Address Bullying

School administrators, counselors, teachers, and parents all play a vital role in prevention and intervention.

• Administrators can establish clear anti-bullying policies and provide regular staff training on prevention and recognizing warning signs.
• School counselors can offer psychoeducation and facilitate group sessions for both victims and those who bully, helping them build empathy and social skills.
• Parents can be engaged through workshops and psychoeducation classes to reinforce emotional awareness and empathy at home.

Supporting Victims

• Provide Safe Reporting Options: Encourage students to speak up and ensure schools have confidential ways to report bullying.
• Offer Counseling and Peer Support: Victims need emotional outlets and coping strategies to rebuild confidence.
• Involve Families and Teachers: A strong support network helps reinforce safety and care both at school and at home.
• Virtual Boundaries: Encourage students to private their account, block and report accounts that are bullying them.

Supporting Bullies

• Address Underlying Causes: Many bullies act out due to stress, trauma, or unmet needs. Counseling can help identify and address these factors.
• Teach Social-Emotional Skills: Programs that focus on empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation can reduce aggressive behavior.
• Encourage Positive Leadership: Redirecting a bully’s influence toward positive roles (like mentoring or teamwork) can transform harmful patterns.

Accountability for Actions

• Encourage the bully to take responsibility without excuses (“I hurt someone, and that was wrong”).
• Use reflective activities, like journaling or role-playing, to build empathy.
• Require meaningful consequences (community service, repairing what was broken, apology letters).

Mending and Building New Relationships

• Support structured conversations between bully and victim (with a counselor present) when safe and appropriate.
• Promote restorative circles or peer mediation where both sides can express feelings.
• Encourage the bully to rebuild trust through consistent positive actions (kindness, inclusion, respect).

Long-Term Skill Building

• Teach conflict resolution, communication, and emotional regulation.
• Provide opportunities for the bully to engage in pro-social activities (team projects, leadership roles, community volunteering).
• Reinforce positive behavior with recognition and encouragement.

Conclusion

Bullying is not just a “phase”—it is a serious issue that impacts learning, relationships, and mental health. By creating safe environments, offering support to victims, and addressing the needs of those who bully, schools can foster healthier, more inclusive communities where all students can thrive.