No child should be afraid to go to school. Bullying, which creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, is a widespread problem in schools. In fact, one out of every five students in the average classroom experiences bullying on a regular basis.
Studies indicate that 23 percent of students in grades 4-6 have been bullied more than once. In grades 6-10, 17 percent of students have been bullied more than once, with 8 percent being bullied as often as once a week. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program notes that bullied students experience lasting negative effects including: depression, low self-esteem, health problems, poor grades, and suicidal thoughts.
Bullying also has a lasting negative impact for students who bully. In one study, 60 percent of boys identified as "bullies" in middle school had at least 1 criminal conviction by the age of 24. 35 percent had 3 or more convictions. "Bullies" were three to four times more likely than non-bullying peers to have multiple convictions by age 25.
The White Lake Township Library has sponsored Oakland Mediation Center to conduct a Bullying Awareness workshop for parents. This one hour session will uncover what bullying is, how it differs from conflict, and the truths behind bullying myths. It will speak to the impact bullying has on all students and provide tips for parents on how they can talk to their child about concerns over being bullied or bullying others.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, Feb. 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend the session. The program will be conducted at the White Lake Township Library, 7527 E. Highland Road in White Lake. Registration is required. Register in person or by calling (248) 698-4942, Ext. 3 and note how many adults will be attending and contact information.
To learn more about bullying prevention initiatives, please contact Kenzi Bisbing, Youth Services manager, at (248) 338-4280, Ext. 216, or kbisbing@mediation-omc.org.
Published: Tue, Jan 25, 2011
