What’s the Problem?

Violence against and by children and teens is out of control

An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that violence in schools has gone down over the last 10 years, but it is still too high.

In 2002, about 659,000 violent crimes were committed involving students at school...

For the most serious nonfatal violent crimes—rape, assault and robbery—the crime rates were lower in school...every year from 1992 to 2002.

What often triggers or leads to violence starts off as “simply” teasing, bullying, or shunning. The school shootings at various high schools have focused attention on the possible connection between bullying and greater violence.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation "Talking With Kids About Tough Issues" as reported by CNN

“The 1998 study of students in grades 6 to 10 by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development defined bullying as repeated behavior that is intended to harm or disturb the targeted person, who is typically less powerful than the perpetrator. The bullying could be physical (hitting), verbal (teasing, name calling) or psychological (shunning.)”

(http://www.peace.ca/bullyorvictim.htm)

According to the Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System, “Victims of bullying typically are very unhappy children who suffer from fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem as a result of they bullying. They may try to avoid school, and to avoid social interaction, in an effort to escape the bullying. Some victims of bullying are so distressed that they commit or attempt to commit suicide.”

Bullying, Teasing, or Shunning —Is It a Problem at School?

Latest results from our poll on whether bullying, teasing, or shunning is a big problem at school—so far 276 students and teachers have responded.

We have to do something to stop the senseless violence and negative climate at our school. We can make a difference.

To contact us, either respond to our survey or e-mail our faculty sponsor at SAVe@washington.edu.