Anti-Bullying

What is Bullying?

Bullying is described as a range of behaviors, both verbal and physical, that intimidates others and often leads to anti-social and unlawful acts.

Teachers and school administrators, students, and parents need to understand that bullying is a pervasive problem that leads to violence.

Bullying should neither be thought of as a “kids will be kids” occurrence, nor accepted as a way of life.
This form of social deviance must be addressed and corrected by informed stakeholders positioned to modify behavior through appropriate sanctions.

How Common is It?

Approximately 60% of boys identified as bullies were convicted of a crime by the age 24 astonishing 40% of bullies had three or more convictions by the same age. Bullying is extremely widespread among young people. Numerous research studies have identified bullying as one of the biggest problems that young people face while growing up.

According to available research:
  • 1 in 4 primary school students are bullied during the course of a school year
  • 1 in 10 secondary school students are bullied during the course of a school year

What are its Effects?

The effects that bullying can have on its victims can be horrific and long lasting:

  • A recent National Center for Education survey revealed that bullied students were more likely to carry a “weapon” to school for protection.
  • The Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Education have reported that almost 3/4 of students involved in school related shooting incidents were victims of bullies and/or felt threatened at school.
Studies have also revealed a link between bullying and anti-social and or criminal behavior:
  • Approximately 60% of boys identified as bullies were convicted of a crime by the age 24.
  • An astonishing 40% of bullies had three or more convictions by the same age.

The Fernandina Beach Police Department recognizes the detrimental impact on the lives of both bullies and their victims and is taking an active role in both preventing incidents of bullying and educating the youth within our community.

Bullying is a difficult and widespread problem, but it is also a problem that can be solved.