Attribution

Brad Van Beek received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College and his Masters in
Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. He is presently pursuing his
Specialist in Education Degree from Central Michigan University. He has been teaching the past
four years in The Dominican Republic.

Student Bullying
Bullying has been and continues to be a problem in our schools. Some estimates say that up to
160,000 students skip school because of bullying. Victims of bullying suffer from anxiety and
depression. They become socially isolated. It can lead to suicidal thought and in extreme cases suicide.
It can negatively affect a students academic performance. One study estimated that bullying could
cause 1.5-letter grade drop for middle school students.

Not only does it hurt those who are the victims but it also can have long-term effects for the one
doing the bullying. They also suffer from depression. They are more likely to drop out of school or to
abuse drugs and alcohol. Bullying can even negatively the entire school culture. A culture of fear and
disrespect grows. Students feel less safe. Students have a harder time learning.

In 2011, Michigan enacted an anti-bullying law called the Matt Epling law, in honor of Matt, who
was a victim of bullying. This law requires all schools and school district to adopt and enforce anti-
bullying policies. However, this has become little more than an unfunded mandate from the state. Very
little is being done for the many students that continue to be victims of ongoing bullying.

According to WalletHubs analysis of the prevalence of bullying and prevention efforts in

different states, Michigan ranked dead last. The three areas the research studied were Bullying
Prevalence, Bullying Impact & Treatment and Anti-Bullying Laws.

The Michigan Department of Education, school districts and schools need to look at proven
programs that only react to bullying once it happens but also to prevent bullying by creating a school
climate where bullying is less likely to happen. These should include very specific responses to bullying
that give administrators the ability to tailor to the incident not simply a zero tolerance one size fits all
response. There needs to be staff training to help them identify and stop bullying. Research has shown
that shown that a great deal of bullying happens away from the presence of adults. Schools need to
create a climate where bullying does not happen. Research by Pederson has shown that student leaders
can have a positive effect on school climate. Schools need to identify student leadership programs that
empower our students to be agents of change in their schools.

By working together, administration, teachers, and students schools can stop bullying and
create safe environment where everyone can learn and reach their potential.