Though relatively few cases end as tragically as Phoebe's, the experience of being bullied can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on a child, including lower test scores and a range of social and emotional problems.
According to the national PTA:
Victims of bullying suffer psychological and sometimes physical scars that last a lifetime. Victims report greater fear and anxiety, feel less accepted, suffer from more health problems, and score lower on measures of academic achievement and self-esteem than students who are not bullied. Victims often turn their anger inward, which may lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.Fortunately, Washington has more protections in place for students than most states. We first passed an anti-bullying law in 2002, updating it in 2007 to include electronic forms of bullying (texts, e-mails).
Unfortunately, a study in 2008 showed these laws were not reducing bullying and harassment in Washington schools. According to the Office of Washington's Education Ombudsman, more than 30 percent of 6th graders report being bullied in the past 30 days, 27 percent of 8th graders, 23 percent of 10th graders and almost 16 percent of 12th graders.
That's why Rep. Marko Liias authored a bill this year directing the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to revise and update its anti-harassment policies and procedures, changes that school districts must incorporate into their own policies and procedures.
For more information about anti-harassment policies in our schools, or to find out how you can help a student you fear is being bullied, take a look at the resources available at the Washington State School Safety Center.
