Essays Bullying: A Crime That Has Gained Recent Attention

Essaysbullyinga Crime That Has Gained Recent Attention Is School Bully

Essays Bullying A crime that has gained recent attention is school bullying. With some of the social media sites that are now used by children, there are many different ways for school violence and bullying to occur. Recently, a federal lawsuit was filed from Mentor, Ohio that gained national attention regarding school bullying. In a 1-1.5 page Essay, please respond to the following prompts: What has been done to address the problem of bullying? Why has it become such a problem? Be sure to address all prompts and cite your sources in APA format. Reference Peak, K. J. (2012). Policing America: Challenges and best practices (7th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson.

Paper For Above instruction

School bullying has emerged as a significant social issue, prompting diverse efforts to mitigate its prevalence and impact. Recognized widely, bullying encompasses physical, verbal, and increasingly digital forms facilitated by social media platforms. Its escalation has created urgent calls for effective interventions. Various measures, including school policies, legislation, and awareness campaigns, have been implemented to combat this problem. Simultaneously, the pervasive nature of social media has amplified bullying behaviors, making it harder to control and address.

In response to the rising concern over school bullying, many educational institutions have adopted anti-bullying policies that aim to establish clear behavioral expectations and procedures for reporting and addressing bullying incidents. For example, in many states, laws mandating school districts to investigate and respond to bullying reports have been enacted. Such policies often include disciplinary measures for aggressors, counseling for victims, and programs to promote a positive school climate. The implementation of bullying prevention programs, such as Olweus and KiVa, has been shown to reduce incidents significantly by fostering empathy and social skills among students (Espelage & Swearer, 2010). Additionally, educational campaigns targeted at students, teachers, and parents have worked to raise awareness about the effects of bullying and the importance of intervention.

The recent rise of social media and digital communication platforms has complicated the problem by enabling cyberbullying, which transcends school hours and physical boundaries. Cyberbullying tends to be more pervasive and can lead to severe psychological distress, even suicidality among youth (Kowalski et al., 2014). Many schools and policymakers have responded by incorporating cyberbullying prevention into their policies, which include monitoring online activities and educating students about safe and respectful digital behavior. Furthermore, legal actions such as the recent federal lawsuit from Mentor, Ohio, highlight the need for enforceable policies and accountability.

The problem of school bullying has become so pronounced due to various social and psychological factors. Increased social comparisons, peer pressure, and the desire for social dominance can drive aggressive behaviors (Pepler & Craig, 2000). Furthermore, the anonymity provided by social media emboldens some students to act aggressively without immediate repercussions. A lack of intervention or inadequate enforcement of existing policies also contributes to the persistence of bullying. The normalization of violence and aggression in certain peer groups further perpetuates this issue, making it a complex problem that requires multifaceted solutions.

In conclusion, efforts to address school bullying have included legislative actions, school policies, prevention programs, and awareness campaigns. However, the rise of social media and digital platforms has expanded the scope of bullying and introduced new challenges. Combating this issue requires a coordinated effort involving schools, families, policymakers, and communities to foster respectful and safe environments for all students. Sustained commitment and innovative strategies are essential to reduce bullying and its harmful impacts (Peak, 2012).

References

  • Espelage, D. L., & Swearer, S. M. (2010). Bullying in North American schools (2nd ed.). Routledge.
  • Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Lattanner, M. R. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research. Psychological Bulletin, 140(4), 1073–1137.
  • Pepler, D., & Craig, W. (2000). Peer processes and bullying: Implications for prevention and intervention. Special Issue: Bullying in Schools, 25(3), 375–389.
  • Peak, K. J. (2012). Policing America: Challenges and best practices (7th ed.). Pearson.