Understanding High School Bullying

Bullying in high school is a prevalent issue that can have serious and long-lasting effects on the victims and the collective school community. It can encompass physical aggression, emotional and relational manipulation, as well as ridicule. It can impact all students —those with disabilities, special education needs, and those without. Understanding and identifying bullying, as well as its impact is significant for parents, educators, and students to address the problem efficiently, and ensure that all students can participate in school programs and activities, in a safe and enriched environment.

This article will explore the different types of bullying that occur in high school, how common it is, its effects, and practical steps for addressing and preventing bullying. It will also offer guidance on where parents and students can seek help and next steps to take if their child is the victim of bullying.

What Is High School Bullying?

High school bullying refers to repeated, intentional aggressive or malicious behaviors with the purpose of harming, embarrassing or intimidating others. This can take on various forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, relational and emotional manipulation, as well as cyberbullying. Bullying differs from conflicts or disagreements, as it involves a power imbalance, with the bully often using their power to control or harm the victim.

Students with disabilities or those who are part of a special education program may be especially vulnerable to bullying. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, students with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education, which includes protection from bullying. When bullying substantially limits a student's ability to participate in programs or activities, the school district is legally required to take action.

How Common is High School Bullying?

High school bullying is disturbingly common, and recent statistics highlight its widespread prevalence. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 20% of high school students report being bullied on school property. The Department of Education also highlights that bullying is particularly prevalent in middle and high school, where peer pressure and social hierarchies are often the most intense.

Students with disabilities, particularly those in special education programs, are at a heightened risk of being bullied. Research published in Frontiers of Psychology indicates that students with disabilities are more likely to experience bullying than their peers without disabilities. The effects of bullying are not only felt by the students who are targeted but also extend to their families, teachers, and the broader school community. It is essential that parents, educators, and administrators recognize bullying as a serious issue and take proactive measures to prevent it.

What Are the Four Types of High School Bullying?

Physical

Physical bullying includes any form of physical aggression, such as hitting, pushing, tripping, or any other type of physical harm intended to hurt or intimidate the victim. This is often the most visible form of bullying and may occur in the school hallways, on school buses, or during physical education classes. While it is often easier for adults to identify, physical bullying can have long-term effects on the victim, including physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Verbal

Verbal bullying involves the use of words to hurt or belittle someone. This can include name-calling, teasing, taunting, making threats, or spreading hurtful rumors about the individual. Verbal bullying can be particularly damaging to a student's self-esteem and emotional well-being. For students with disabilities, verbal bullying may include insults related to their condition, further isolating them from their peers and affecting their well-being.

Relational

Relational bullying, sometimes referred to as social or emotional bullying, involves excluding someone from social groups, spreading gossip, or manipulating relationships to isolate the victim. This form of bullying is more subtle than physical or verbal bullying but can be equally damaging. It can significantly impact a student's mental health, particularly when they feel socially ostracized or rejected by their peers.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying takes place through digital platforms, such as social media, text messages, and online forums. This form of bullying has grown increasingly prevalent as students spend more time online. Cyberbullying can involve sending hurtful messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or creating fake social media profiles to harass the victim. As it occurs outside the school setting, it can be more difficult to control, however, its effects can spill over into the classroom, significantly affecting a student’s ability to engage in school programs or activities.

What Are the Effects of High School Bullying?

The effects of high school bullying can be profound, impacting a student's emotional, psychological, and academic development. The effects can be particularly detrimental and significant for students with disabilities, who may already face challenges in their educational journey. Some of the key effects of bullying include:

• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Victims of bullying often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These emotional consequences can lead to long-term mental health issues, such as chronic depression or even suicidal thoughts. The psychological toll of bullying can be particularly harmful for students with disabilities, who may already feel marginalized in the school environment.
• Academic Consequences: Students who are bullied may struggle to focus on their schoolwork, which can lead to poor academic performance. This can result in higher absenteeism, lower grades, and a lack of motivation to participate in school activities. For students with disabilities, bullying may interfere with their ability to benefit fully from educational programs, potentially limiting their academic growth. This can further impede upon their self-esteem. 
• Social Withdrawal: Bullying often leads to social withdrawal, as students may feel isolated or rejected by their peers. This can result in a lack of social skills, difficulty building friendships, and further feelings of loneliness and depression. Students with disabilities, especially those in special education programs, may find it even more challenging to navigate social interactions if they are being bullied.
• Physical Health Problems: In some cases, the stress from bullying can manifest physically. Victims may experience headaches, stomachaches, or other stress-related illnesses, underscoring the impacts of chronic stress on the body. For students with disabilities, these physical symptoms may be exacerbated, compromising their overall health and well-being.

How Do You Deal with Bullies in High School?

Dealing with bullying in high school requires a multi-faceted approach, involving both the student and their support network, including parents, teachers, and school administrators.

Parents

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children through bullying. The first step is to listen to their child’s concerns and validate their feelings and experiences. Parents should also document any instances of bullying, including dates, times, and the people involved. They should reach out to the school to report the bullying and work with the school district to ensure that appropriate action is taken. Most importantly, parents should be there for their children emotionally, so the child has someone they can trust and be vulnerable with regarding their concerns. 

Students

Students who are being bullied should be encouraged to report the bullying to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. Students should also be taught strategies for handling bullying, such as standing up for themselves assertively without resorting to aggression, seeking out supportive friends, and avoiding areas where bullying may occur. Students may also benefit from seeking and implementing constructive coping skills or hobbies. For instance, taking an art, poetry or music class. This can teach the child a new skill and foster healthy self-esteem. 

Where Can You Get Help with High School Bullying?

School districts are required by law to protect students from bullying under various federal and state regulations, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. When bullying involves students with disabilities, the school district must take steps to ensure that the bullying does not interfere with the student's access to educational programs or activities. This might involve implementing individualized interventions, providing additional support, or altering the student’s schedule to minimize exposure to the bully.

There are several resources available for both parents and students who are dealing with bullying. These resources can help provide support and guidance to navigate the situation effectively.

• StopBullying.gov: A government website that provides resources for both parents and students, including information on how to report bullying and how to prevent it. StopBullying.gov.
• National Bullying Prevention Center: Offers a wealth of information, including resources for schools, parents, and students to combat bullying.
• The U.S. Department of Education: Provides resources on student rights, including protections for students with disabilities under Section 504.

Next Steps

If your child is experiencing bullying, the next step is to immediately communicate with their school. Speak with teachers, counselors, or the school district’s 504 team to ensure that they are aware of the situation and can take appropriate action. The school is legally obligated to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, including those with disabilities.

You may also want to consider reaching out to the Department of Education if the school is not providing adequate support or taking appropriate action. In addition, seeking counseling for your child can be beneficial to address any emotional or psychological impacts from bullying.

If you’re looking for more support for your child with bullying and mental health concerns, Handspring Health can help.

Schedule a free consultation with a licensed Handspring therapist today. 

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