Bullying & Health

This week, I ran across an article on Education News about a recent study that shows the shocking long-term findings of the effects of bullying throughout one's life. This study focused on three groups: those who were bullies, those who were bullied, and those who were bullied and became bullies. Negative physical and mental effects were linked closely to bullying in all of those areas. Those who had been bullied and then in turn began to bully experienced the worst long-term issues, being the most likely to smoke, have psychiatric problems and serious illnesses. Many of the subjects of this study were also victims of poverty and incarceration.

I found these results absolutely shocking and disheartening. It feels as though bullying has only recently become an issue that we as a society are talking about. This study is so important because now that we have a conversation throughout our nation on the true dangers of bullying, we can see the faces of grownups who are living with the poor after affects. What was once considered a mundane reality of childhood, we have found is toxic to our children. When I was in elementary and middle school, I never really had an issue with bullying but knew many kids who did. I think back on those kids now and wish I had spoken louder for them. As a future teacher, I will have no tolerance for bullying in my classroom.

What are your guys' thoughts? Did you have an experience with bullying as a kid that really affected you? Do you think our society's recent focus on bullying is over the top? What will you do as a teacher if you have a bully in your classroom?

http://www.educationnews.org/k-12-schools/study-finds-childhood-bullying-damages-long-term-health-and-wealth/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23756749