Bullying remains a major concern among American teens, with more than a third (34 percent) reporting being bullied in the past year, according to recent government data. The report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the prevalence and impact of bullying on youth ages 12 to 17. Defined as being exposed to repeated aggressive behavior over time by one or more people, bullying can be permanent. mental health Wounds, especially when victims feel unable to defend themselves.

Based on responses to a federal youth health survey conducted between 2021 and 2023, the report shows that some groups are more vulnerable. Specifically, girls reported higher rates of bullying than boys, 38.3 percent and 29.9 percent respectively. Additionally, younger teens reported slightly higher rates: 38.4 percent of teens ages 12 to 14 experienced bullying in the past year, while 29.7 percent of teens ages 15 to 17 experienced bullying.

One group particularly affected is LGBTQ+ teens, with nearly half (47.1 percent) of gender and sexual minority youth reporting incidents of bullying. This highlights the additional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ teens, who often face bullying not only in schools but also in their broader social environment, leading to increased stress and mental health risks.

The psychological impact of bullying is huge. According to the CDC’s findings, 29.8 percent of youth who were bullied experienced anxiety, a rate more than double that of their non-bullied peers (14.5 percent). Similarly, self-reported depression was significantly higher among bullied teens, with 28.5 percent experiencing symptoms, while among teens who were not bullied, only 12.1 percent were experiencing depression symptoms. Amanda Ng, a CDC researcher, and her team at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) emphasized that being a victim of bullying is a serious public health issue with potentially lifelong consequences.

Data underlines its importance anti-bullying strategiesProactive support systems, and targeted interventions to help prevent bullying. Here are ways to help keep kids safe from bullying:

– Encourage open communication: Establish a trusting relationship with your child so they feel comfortable discussing their experiences. Regular conversations about school, friendships, and online interactions can indicate early signs of bullying.

– Provide education on bullying and its forms: Teach your child what bullying looks like, including physical, verbal, and other cyber-bullyingHelping them understand the different forms empowers them to recognize it and speak up when they encounter it.

– Monitor online activity: Cyberbullying is common, and monitoring online activity can help. Set limits on social media use and encourage your child to report any instances of online harassment.

– Equip children with coping strategies: Teach children to respond firmly and safely. Help them practice walking away, seek help from a trusted adult, and use positive affirmations to build resilience.

– Build a support network: Encourage participation in supportive social groups, clubs or activities that promote positive self-esteem and provide opportunities for friendships. Knowing they are not alone can strengthen children’s self-confidence and give them additional allies.

– Advocate for anti-bullying policies: Get involved in your child’s school to support and promote anti-bullying policies to promote a safe environment for all students.

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