bul·ly- [boo l-ee] Show IPA noun, plural bul·lies, verb, bul·lied, bul·ly·ing, adjective, interjection. noun 1. a blustering,quarrelsome,overbearingperson who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

Bully: 20 Facts

International and national studies indicate that between 9% and 15% of any student population is a victim of bullying

A U.S. study of more than 15,000 sixth to tenth grade students indicated that 10.6% were victims of bullying

Most victims are identified as physically and socially weaker than their peers

Passive victims exhibit reclusive and introverted mannerisms while provocative victims may appear hyperactive, lack concentration, and generally tend to irritate others. Although it may appear that the provocative victim is aggressive, this individual is typically overpowered by the bully and ultimately becomes the victim in the end (National Middle School Association (NMSA), 2001).

Many adolescents think that teasing, name-calling, shoving, and other harmful actions are just playful pranks (Shakeshaft et al., 1997). This mindset may be reinforced by the adults in their lives.

Depression, isolation, low self-esteem, lack of hope, fear, insecurity, and violent or self-destructive behavior are just a few of the mannerisms evident in victims of bullying (Espelage & Swearer, 2003; Nansel et al., 2001; Olweus, 1993).

Victims of bullying often avoid hallways, restrooms, and even switch schools in an effort to distance themselves from other students (NMSA, 2001). Instead of being visible to others, they will "hang out" in the office, other classrooms, or a secret corner during lunch and break time.

Aggressive victims will internalize the continuous victimization until they can no longer cope. Once they have reached their limit, they resort to violence (i.e., shooting a gun, starting a fire, or becoming bullies themselves). Others may choose self-destructive behaviors such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs (Olweus, 1993).

Private schools are not immune to scandals involving bullying

"Zero Tolerance Policy" in schools regarding bullying do absolutely nothing to resolve the problem in any school, private or not.

Bullies are strong psychologically and get a great deal of peer support. [Victims] suffer from symptoms of psychological distress that are not necessarily observable. Victims have feelings of depression and social anxiety and loneliness, quiet signs of distress.

Bullies have the lowest levels of depression, social anxiety, and loneliness. They also had a high "social standing." But even though they appear to be "popular" with their fellow students, this "popularity" is actually probably a manifestation of fear in which children feel that they have no choice but to treat the bullies respectfully.

Both victims and bully-victims are at a risk for suicide.

Many children who have been bullied have died by suicide.

Bullying almost always causes depression. And depression is the number one cause for suicide.

One of the problems with bullying is that children who are not being bullied are scared of the bully because they may get hurt by him. So if it comes down to standing up for a victim or taking the side of the bully, many children will feel that they need to take the side of the bully or they will be his next victim.

So bullies are not "popular." They are cowards. Their "popularity" is not real. Children are afraid of them. Children dislike them and have no real respect for them.

Bullies are actually very weak people with low self-esteem who need to try to harm others to give themselves some type of feeling of power and control.

And remember that bullies are always cowards.

And bullies are criminals.

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Please note that this is NOT a story, but rather 20 facts regarding this very real and dangerous threat. PLEASE do not let this go unnoticed in our schools and help stop it. I go to a private school myself and am indeed a victim regarding this presage. If you know someone who is being bullied do not hesitate to go to authorities. If you feel their life is at risk you may do so with or without their permission. Anything to save a life.

Thank you,