tag:theconversation.com,2011:/ca/topics/bias-based-bullying-26420/articlesBias-based bullying – The Conversation2017-08-11T00:59:26Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/823532017-08-11T00:59:26Z2017-08-11T00:59:26ZBullying and suicide: What’s the connection?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181718/original/file-20170810-20984-pl77tp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=49%2C337%2C3394%2C1954&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Child suicide, such as the 2013 death of 12-year-old Rebecca Sedwick, has often been blamed on bullying.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">AP Photo/Brian Blanco</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Bullying, as many people know, can be a tremendously painful experience for a young person. The point has been driven home over the last decade by stories about teens like <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2010/05/phoebe-prince/">Phoebe Prince</a> or <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27076991">Amanda Todd</a>, who killed themselves after experiencing bullying.</p>
<p>Recently, the parents of eight-year-old Gabriel Taye <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gabriel-taye-death-lawsuit-blames-schools-for-bullying-child-suicide/">filed a federal lawsuit</a> against the Cincinnati public schools, alleging that their son committed suicide because the school covered up and failed to prevent a culture of bullying.</p>
<p>All 50 states have some kind of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-temkin/all-50-states-now-have-a_b_7153114.html">anti-bullying law</a>, and schools are increasingly being called upon to implement bullying prevention programs. </p>
<p>Bullying and suicide are both significant public health concerns for children and adolescents. As a scholar with expertise in youth violence and bullying, I’ve done considerable research to understand the link between bullying and suicide. Although there certainly is a connection between the two, research highlights the complexity of the relationship.</p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yVaUq98qWGE?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">In the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight,’ Chiron snaps after being bullied at school.</span></figcaption>
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<h2>Bullies and their victims</h2>
<p>Many studies have examined the relationship between bullying and suicidality, or the tendency to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We wanted to see what these studies could tell us about the strength of this association: Is being bullied or bullying others associated with suicidality?</p>
<p>To find out, we conducted an analysis of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-1864">47 studies on bullying and suicide</a> among students in K-12 settings. The studies were from the United States and several other countries (including China, Australia, the U.K. and Finland).</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=889&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=889&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=889&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1117&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1117&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181715/original/file-20170810-20110-1sms1ep.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1117&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">In the Netflix series ‘13 Reasons Why,’ bully Bryce Walker is reason number 12 that Hannah commits suicide.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Netflix</span></span>
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<p>Overall, we found that youth involved in bullying in any capacity – both bullies and victims of bullying – were more likely to think about and attempt suicide than youth who were not involved in bullying. In short, bullying is bad for everyone involved.</p>
<p>We also found that bullying and suicidality are most strongly related for bully-victims: youth who have experienced both sides of bullying, as victim and perpetrator. This is consistent with past research suggesting that bully-victims are at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-006-9153-3">particularly high risk</a> for experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.</p>
<h2>Who is most at risk?</h2>
<p>In addition to questions about bullies versus victims, we examined three factors in the association between bullying and suicidality: gender, country and how bullying is measured.</p>
<p>While associations between bullying involvement and the tendency to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors were similar for boys and girls, we did find a difference when it came to the country of origin for these studies. In general, there were stronger associations between bullying and suicidality in the U.S. studies compared to their international counterparts.</p>
<p>As a whole, studies also showed a stronger connection between being a bully victim and suicidal thoughts when the study asked a single question to identify victims such as “Have you been bullied?” Studies that asked about specific behaviors (without mentioned the word bullying) showed a weaker connection. </p>
<p>This finding might reflect that suicidality is more common in youth who self-identify as being bullied, when compared to those who admit only to experiencing specific behaviors (e.g., they’ve been teased). The latter may not self-identify as someone who has been bullied and may be less at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181720/original/file-20170810-27667-11qips5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">For youth who identify as being bullied, the tendency to suicidality can be quite high.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/depression-teen-pain-suffering-tunnel-113875279">hikrcn/Shutterstock.com</a></span>
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<h2>What else do we need to consider?</h2>
<p>Research clearly indicates there is an association between bullying involvement – on both sides – and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, it also suggests that there are factors beyond bullying that are relevant to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. </p>
<p>For instance, in one study of fifth through eighth graders, researchers found that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.09.017">once depression and delinquency were considered</a>, there were only small differences between youth who were not involved in bullying and those who were. </p>
<p>A recent study of adolescents highlighted the role of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs11121-014-0510-2">low self-esteem and depression</a> as factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors for sexual minority and heterosexual youth who had been bullied.</p>
<p>In short, a host of psychological and other factors may contribute to suicidality.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=422&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/181719/original/file-20170810-20110-1h55zy9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=530&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Emily-Anne Rigal, right, founder of WeStopHate.org, and Jeanne Demers, left, founder of Realize, Inc., champion anti-bullying at the launch of their first book, ‘FLAWD,’ Aug. 18, 2015.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Diane Bondareff/Invision for Monster High/AP Images</span></span>
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<h2>What does this mean for intervention and prevention?</h2>
<p>Our <a href="http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/">cultural narrative</a> about bullying presumes that youth who are bullied are at great risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. But research shows that bullies themselves are at risk as well.</p>
<p>The analysis provides additional evidence that youth who experience bullying as both perpetrator and victim are at particularly high risk for psychological distress.</p>
<p>In short, bullying involvement of any stripe is harmful.</p>
<p>Our research (and more that can be done in the future) should prompt the creation of more effective prevention and intervention programs to better address the mental health needs of youth involved in bullying. In particular, it’s essential that we bolster mental health supports for kids who bully – not just their victims.</p>
<p><em>This is an updated version of <a href="https://theconversation.com/understanding-the-link-between-bullying-and-suicide-39037">an article</a> originally published on May 14, 2014.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/82353/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Holt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>From ‘13 Reasons Why’ to real-life events, there’s been increased scrutiny on the link between bullying and suicide. However, research shows that we may not be getting the full picture.Melissa Holt, Assistant Professor, Counseling Psychology, Boston UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/586782016-05-10T16:01:52Z2016-05-10T16:01:52ZWhy bullying needs more efforts to stop it<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/121787/original/image-20160509-20619-12t6c5f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Bullying leads to both short-term and long-term adverse consequences.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?lang=en&language=en&ref_site=photo&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&use_local_boost=1&autocomplete_id=&searchterm=bullying&show_color_wheel=1&orient=&commercial_ok=&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&photographer_name=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&page=1&inline=309237740">Girl image via www.shutterstock.com</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The tragic consequences of bullying have become a regular part of the news cycle. In April, <a href="http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/girl-takes-her-own-life-after-alleged-bullying/156982298">an eighth grade girl</a> in Missouri and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/suicide-12-year-old-boy-bullying-article-1.2588304">a sixth grade boy</a> in Pennsylvania committed suicide. Bullying was an important factor, according to their families. </p>
<p>While such devastating cases understandably draw the most attention, they risk leaving the impression that bullying is an issue only in severe cases. In fact, bullying is pervasive and often causes harm. As awareness spreads that bullying is not just a childhood rite of passage but a significant <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/index.html">public health</a> issue, the demand for action has increased. </p>
<p>A breadth of actors, from federal agencies to state legislatures to schools, are grappling with how to address the problem. And now a new <a href="http://www.nas.edu/scienceonbullying">report</a> by the <a href="http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Activities/Children/CommitteeonBiologicalPsychosocialEffectsofPeerVictimization.aspx">National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine</a> – a leading independent research organization – provides critical insights into bullying’s consequences and what is needed for an effective response. I served on this study committee.</p>
<h2>Understanding bullying’s impact</h2>
<p>Contrary to traditional views of bullying as mere child’s play, research shows that bullying has <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/effects/index.html">significant short- and long-term adverse consequences</a> for targets, perpetrators and others who witness bullying. </p>
<p>Children who are bullied are more likely to suffer a variety of psychological disorders, including <a href="http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115030">depression and anxiety</a>. They are more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide, though as the Academies report explains, “there is not enough evidence to date to conclude that bullying is a causal factor for youth suicides.” Youth who are bullied also report <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24534401">various physical symptoms</a>, including <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/4/720">headaches, sleep disturbances and stomach pain</a>.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=419&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=419&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=419&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=526&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=526&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/121956/original/image-20160510-20734-1x99nty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=526&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Children who are bullied suffer from a range of mental and physical health problems.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?lang=en&language=en&ref_site=photo&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&use_local_boost=1&autocomplete_id=&searchterm=bullying&show_color_wheel=1&orient=&commercial_ok=&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&photographer_name=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&page=1&inline=363137819">Boy image via www.shutterstock.com</a></span>
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<p>The impact can be felt for years. In many cases, the mental health consequences of bullying <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17522439.2015.1053969">persist into adulthood</a>.</p>
<p>Importantly, it is not only the targets of bullying who suffer. <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/effects/index.html">Children who bully others and bystanders who witness bullying</a> are also at greater risk of adverse mental health consequences.</p>
<p>The report also found that children who are both perpetrators and targets of bullying “appear to be at greatest risk for poor psychosocial outcomes, compared to those who only bully or are only bullied and to those who are not bullied.” These children may show mental health-related symptoms such as depression, anxiety and withdrawal. They may also show behavior-related symptoms, such as anger and aggression.</p>
<p>While the Academies report found that more research is needed, it also identified a number of ways to advance anti-bullying efforts.</p>
<h2>Assessing law and policy responses</h2>
<p>In the past 15 years, <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/index.html">all 50 states and the District of Columbia</a> have adopted or revised anti-bullying laws. While this legislative action is promising, few studies have measured the actual impact of anti-bullying laws and policies.</p>
<p>Law has played a <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su5502a11.htm">key role</a> in responding to many public health issues, from infectious diseases to road safety to tobacco use. To ensure it does the same for bullying prevention, a process for continually assessing and refining anti-bullying laws and policies is needed, according to the Academies report.</p>
<p>Among other things, the Academies report calls for an annual meeting among policymakers, social scientists and professionals who work with children to review research that assesses the implementation and effect of anti-bullying laws and policies. The aim is to develop better evidence and ensure that research informs decisions Congress and the state legislatures make to address bullying. </p>
<h2>Identifying bullying</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.nas.edu/scienceonbullying">Research</a> shows that many school administrators and teachers continue to have trouble identifying bullying and intervening successfully.</p>
<p>An essential step to identification of bullying is training for teachers and others who work with children and adolescents. As the Academies report recommends, “evidence-informed bullying prevention training [should be provided] for individuals, both professionals and volunteers, who work directly with children and adolescents on a regular basis.” </p>
<p>The report notes that such training programs must be ongoing and evaluated to ensure that professionals and volunteers who work with youth can effectively identify bullying and intervene appropriately. </p>
<h2>Confronting cyberbullying</h2>
<p>Another critical component of this issue is <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html">cyberbullying</a>, given the prominence of social media in the lives of children and adolescents. </p>
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<span class="caption">Cyberbullying presents unique challenges.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/cat.mhtml?lang=en&language=en&ref_site=photo&search_source=search_form&version=llv1&anyorall=all&safesearch=1&use_local_boost=1&autocomplete_id=&searchterm=bullying&show_color_wheel=1&orient=&commercial_ok=&media_type=images&search_cat=&searchtermx=&photographer_name=&people_gender=&people_age=&people_ethnicity=&people_number=&color=&page=1&inline=308220545">Girl image via www.shutterstock.com</a></span>
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<p>In some respects, the online world can be viewed as simply another locale where bullying occurs. But it also presents unique challenges. The 24/7 nature of social media may make a victim of bullying feel it is impossible to escape bullying behavior. It also can blur the line between what happens on- versus off-school campuses. As policymakers and schools consider how best to address cyberbullying, technology companies are uniquely positioned to play a role. </p>
<p>The Academies report urges social media companies to develop and evaluate “policies and programs for preventing, identifying and responding to bullying on their platforms.” It also calls on social media companies to post their policies online so they are widely accessible to the public. </p>
<h2>Ensuring a safe environment</h2>
<p>So long as bullying persists, and children are hurt, we are not doing enough. </p>
<p>We need more research to address gaps in our understanding of bullying and its consequences. And we must ensure that our responses are based on proven effective programs. </p>
<p>From policymakers to parents, tech companies to teachers, we all have a role to play in preventing bullying and ensuring safe environments for children. Building upon evidence-based research can ensure that we are not just responding to bullying, but that we are responding effectively.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/58678/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jonathan Todres served as a member of the Committee on the Biological and Psychosocial Effects of Peer Victimization: Lessons for Bullying Prevention of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. </span></em></p>Children who are bullied are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide.Jonathan Todres, Professor of Law, Georgia State UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/555572016-04-08T09:33:11Z2016-04-08T09:33:11ZWhy teachers are unable to stop bias-based bullying<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/117871/original/image-20160407-16296-1o15jd3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">An artist's representation of how different people are involved in bullying.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/epsb/8161314959/in/photolist-q1JBeu-drbN4H-8LAheM-drbSAT-sth7r7-rvNtMQ-bWBpd6-5U8YVj-ohACfk-bWBpmZ-5U4C4H-drc4Jj-ohjo54-8CxAAq-bbVHEx-drbTmK-bgsHmH-7SvJQj-bjxpBC-5U4Cj6-drc3Ad-bV8QRk-57rng4-drbMP8-hjhzM7-eopvRf-hjiuJM-2GZ7cv-hjhuBf-dtFwnm-hkXahE-btUfxy-5DWZNM-83XRiZ-d9Bjxj-d9BjF1-EfrZaX-d9Bj2Q-d9Bjnq-d9Bj8f-cpgr5q-F4qkYF-AgZtLR-d9BjsU-d9BiVy-d9Bjgh-uWxKba-pBsZnx-wr7754-6UKSmx">Edmonton Public Schools</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>State and local lawmakers have put policies in place to <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/">address and prevent</a> bullying. Many schools too have implemented interventions to improve school climate to reduce bullying behaviors. </p>
<p>Despite these efforts, in my research and experiences in schools as a counselor educator and school counselor, I have found bullying based on bias <a href="http://ecx.sagepub.com/content/81/2/176.short">continues to be an issue</a> in school settings. </p>
<p>“Bias-based” or “identity-based” bullying, defined as students being bullied specifically based on their race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, socioeconomic status or weight, is far <a href="http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/groups/index.html">more difficult to recognize</a> or address when compared to traditional forms of bullying. </p>
<p>Teachers too may fail to notice and address such behaviors and, at times, may even be involved in them. </p>
<h2>Response to bullying</h2>
<p>Bias-based bullying incidents involve explicit and implicit forms of racism, sexism and other forms of prejudice or discrimination. They are not only harmful emotionally, socially and psychologically to students, but are also a violation of a student’s civil rights.</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights urges schools <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html">to be vigilant</a> in the identification and prevention of bias-based bullying and provides guidance on specific laws that prohibit bias based harassment such as Title IX, a federal law, that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation, Section 504 or Title II, which protects individuals with disabilities, and Title IV, which protects individuals from harassment based on religion, ethnicity or shared ancestry. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=445&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=559&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=559&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117876/original/image-20160407-16256-7d2nmk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=559&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Bias-based bullying behaviors can go unnoticed.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53771866@N05/7040908861/in/photolist-bJbuUn-oE1fBx-dn6K1e-8QXvJK-s8Eqqg-9weeTB-wp52-joGj1P-aAheJx-8ri67Q-aC7hrm-5DTGS9-4PNEem-gwmN7H-4eq6FR-pnKjBx-9Syz5f-fCyQ9N-gwmAC2-jGzhyq-6aYwEG-8QXvSn-nJmzo2-96K3iL-kt2F9Q-6JMMkb-boA4g9-dnP5Ht-bF81rm-7yBNfo-2RrvKj-9RJVJ9-ekUa9-anEUeX-n6ptpk-Nqqpz-4SwDCY-p7q2cL-e6Z13z-8qhRSN-bqLpCT-9iuxFC-anHG1E-dDmRZ7-9chSab-hFhnAV-5PKf61-ff6qQN-fQJXYE-nsdYdu">Twentyfour Students</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Despite this protection, however, bias-based bullying behaviors persist and can go unnoticed, or even be endorsed, by teachers in the field. </p>
<p>For example, a recent study investigated physical education teachers failing to respond to bullying behaviors against students being <a href="http://www.uconnruddcenter.org/resources/upload/docs/what/bias/PhysicalEducatorsAttitudes_JSH_9.12.pdf">targeted due to their weight</a>. Studies have also highlighted teachers failing to respond to students being bullied due to their <a href="http://doi.org/10.3390/bs5020247">sexual orientation</a>. </p>
<p>Failure to recognize bias-based bullying behaviors can lead to tragic consequences.</p>
<p>Ryan Halligan, a 13-year-old student who committed suicide in October 7, 2003, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/john-halligan-ryan-suicide_us_57043f13e4b0537661880e93">was targeted primarily with homophobic slurs</a>. A more recent case was that of Kennedy LeRoy, a teen who committed suicide in June 2015 <a href="http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Kennedy-LeRoy-Bullied-Teen-With-Aspergers-Commits-Suicide-Ayala-High-School-308013731.html">after he was bullied</a> partly due to having Asperger’s syndrome.</p>
<h2>Bullying by teachers</h2>
<p>Worse still, some students report being victimized not just by their peers but by their teachers as well. </p>
<p>In a study titled <a href="http://www.youthvoiceproject.com/">The Youth Voice Project</a> published by my colleagues, <a href="https://psbehrend.psu.edu/school-of-humanities-social-sciences/faculty-staff-directory/psychology/charisse-nixon-ph-d">Charisse Nixon</a> and <a href="http://stopbullyingnow.com/about-stop-bullying-now-and-stan-davis/">Stan Davis</a>, students in special education testified that their teachers were more abusive toward them than toward their peers in general ed.</p>
<p>Although this information may seem surprising, <a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/0013124507304487">teacher involvement in bullying</a> students extends beyond special education settings to general and alternative education settings. </p>
<p>A 2011 study, for example, by researchers <a href="http://franklinpierce.edu/academics/bios/zerilloc.htm">Christine Zerillo</a> and <a href="https://people.hofstra.edu/Karen_F_Osterman/">Karen F. Osterman</a> indicates that, <a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/1365480211419586">although teachers were aware</a> of colleagues who bully students, they felt more accountable to report peer bullying.</p>
<h2>When teachers think they are outsiders</h2>
<p>Although most schools are preparing educators and staff to recognize and respond to bullying, behaviors that are based on bias are often overlooked. </p>
<p>The results of a study I conducted indicated that educators may lack the knowledge of and skills to respond to bias-based bullying. </p>
<p>I <a href="http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5203&context=etd">investigated perceptions</a> of undergraduate students in teacher education programs. I asked participants about their perceptions of their role when faced with a situation involving bias based bullying. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/117874/original/image-20160407-16254-lvy9no.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Most people consider themselves outsiders and do not respond to bullying.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsdkrebs/8102566844/in/photolist-dkZLQm-6fdTdo-ehePoo-e623Wx-e62aWx-eh9dup-eh99oP-8tikVn-6KCXbJ-e62jo6-eQSKAp-eh9cnH-e67pD3-e62keM-e67XYA-cZCCay-gSfaZY-e67JoA-e62nD6-79UwjF-ehePRq-e62bgT-eh9b86-e67jY9-e61JQH-2qnVfz-eheUCd-e67sgL-e61PAF-e67EwW-bz5f9U-bz5fD9-e61QiR-eheYgj-e67FLu-e624sK-e62kJH-e62dhn-e67RSo-e61LY8-bz5mSq-eheXef-5TaHVj-dnP5Ht-e67PYq-8qhRSN-e62ima-e62eTZ-e67Sdo-e629nR">Denise Krebs</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Approximately 50 percent of participants considered themselves to be outsiders or not involved in situations involving bias-based bullying. Additionally, participants believed that they lacked the knowledge and skills to respond to situations involving bullying and prejudice. </p>
<p>There was one encouraging finding, however. After participating in a full-day workshop that included bullying prevention and prejudice reduction, participants reported significant changes in attitude. Their knowledge and skills to respond to situations involving bullying and prejudice improved. And they also changed how they perceived their role – from considering themselves to be outsiders (57 percent pre-workshop, 20 percent post-workshop) to defenders of victims of bias based bullying (20 percent pre-workshop; 78 percent post-workshop). </p>
<h2>Training teachers</h2>
<p>So how can schools respond to bias-based bullying?</p>
<p>School administrators can include questions regarding bias-based bullying on their school environment, assessments and evaluations. This can help schools gain a better understanding of what forms of bias-based bullying are most common in their schools. Training teachers to recognize and respond to bias-based bullying could also improve the likelihood that they would intervene when they saw bullying. </p>
<p>These initiatives can be effective when implemented as a part of an intervention that includes the whole school, parents and the community.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/55557/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>SeriaShia J. Chatters does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Research shows that teachers either overlook bullying behaviors or even endorse them.SeriaShia J. Chatters, Assistant Professor of Education (Counselor Education), Penn StateLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.