Buna ISD

What is a Bully?

A bully is someone who is mean and attacks other people with words or actions. They use teasing, threats, or strength to pick on, frighten, or hurt someone or take what they want.

Bullying is a form of aggressive and harassing behavior. This antisocial behavior occurs across geographic, racial, and socioeconomic segments of society.

Bullying prevents its victims from enjoying a safe, stress-free living, learning, and working environment.
Children who bully are at risk for juvenile and adult criminal behavior. Early intervention in the home, school, and the community are the best hope we have of diverting people from this destructive pattern.

Consequences of Bullying

Six out of ten American teenagers witness bullying in school once a day.
Bullying affects nearly one in three American schoolchildren in grades six through ten.
83% of girls and 79% of boys report experiencing harassment.
Students who are the targets of repeated bullying behavior experience extreme fear and stress.

Warning signs

• Fear of going to school

• Fear of using the bathroom at school

• Fear of the bus ride to and from school

• Physical symptoms of illness

• Diminished ability to learn

Bullying can escalate into more serious behavior. Boys identified as bullies in grades 6-9 are prone to have at least one criminal conviction by age 24, and 40% had three or more arrests by age 30. Bullies often grow up to perpetuate family violence. They are at even greater risk of suicide than their victims.