NCJ Number
237564
Date Published
2011
Length
23 pages
Annotation
After presenting an overview of the nature and prevalence of bullying, this paper distinguishes between bullying behaviors by boys and girls, followed by discussions of computerized bullying, the effects of bullying, the modification of bullying behavior, and school conflict resolution strategies.
Abstract
Research by the U.S. Justice Department states that "bullying may be the most underreported safety problem in American schools." Data on known bullying indicates that one out of four kids is bullied and will be abused by another youth. Surveys report that 77 percent of students are bullied mentally, verbally, and physically. Bullying by boys tends to be more physical than female bullying, and boys are more impulsive in their actions. Girls bully other girls by starting negative rumors about them. Bullying behaviors then escalate verbally until it becomes physical. The paper argues that models for female aggression may be influenced by the increasing number of media presentations of female aggression in the context of getting "revenge" on their perceived enemies. Modern technology has also provided mechanisms for bullying, as cell phones, personal data assistants, and the Internet are used to spread negative rumors about a bullying victim. Regarding the effects of bullying, it can cause long-term emotional damage to both the emotional health of the bully and his/her victims. The social isolation, diminished self-worth, and toxic social and school experiences all undermine positive psychological and behavioral development. This paper also discusses forms of behavioral therapy, or behavioral modification that can be used to change maladaptive behavior by both bullies and bullying victims. Some techniques parents can use to help change their children's behaviors are outlined. The paper concludes with an outline of some of the strategies that counselors use in helping youth to develop strategies for resolving conflicts constructively. 27 references