BY K.P. SANDER

Walnut – Debora Ribas-Santos, a resident of Walnut for 25 years, and currently a graduate student at the University of Southern California, has done research on school bullying and how it relates to Assembly Bill 1455. As this is such a prevalent topic in our current culture, with staggering statistics made more pronounced due to social media and personal accessibility, we share with you the article that Ribas-Santos has completed for her Social Welfare and Policy class in hopes that you will glean some insight on this crime. Here is her perspective:

School Bullying

By Debora Ribas-Santos

With all the talk about bullying, did you know that one in four children experience bullying in school? There are a variety of effects that come as a result of bullying: humiliation, loss of self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even developing a fear of going to school and eventually dropping out.

Before the technology boom, victims of bullying were able to escape their tormentors while at home; however, social media bullies are finding it much easier to attack their victims. Many victims are receiving messages such as, “go drink bleach and die,” and other encouragements to kill themselves. Although suicide is not common, there have been some recorded instances of adolescents committing suicide after experiencing prolonged bullying. A study found that both bullies and victims have an increased likelihood of suicidal ideations. Victims also tend to have poor social and communication skills and are less likely to develop appropriate friendships with others. A study recently conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that victims of bullying are more likely to bring a weapon to school.

So you now have a little bit of an understanding of what happens to victims of bullies, but do you know what it actually encompasses? According to stopbullying.gov, bullying can be defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It is often repetitive and deliberate. It can include threats, rumors, and physical or emotional attacks.

Bullying is an epidemic directly and indirectly affecting too many children, adolescents, and even seniors, in our society. When individuals observe bullying, it has been considered co-victimization whereby they have increased mental health risks and an increased likelihood of using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. Witnesses of bullying often develop a fear of going to school just as actual victims do, and are more likely to have poor academic performance. It is imperative that as a society we take a stance against bullying and advocate for change. The current education code in California allows referrals for mental health services only for bullies, but not the victims.

What can you do? The first step is becoming familiar with AB1455. It was introduced by Assembly member Nora Campos of District 27. AB1455 would expand the education code to include mental health services to victims, witnesses and other individuals affected by bullying. Surprisingly, only 24 states throughout the nation include a comprehensive mental health component in regard to bullying. Unfortunately, California is not included among them. Bullying has been a longstanding issue and supporters of this bill are well aware that this will not end the bullying epidemic, but it will allow victims to receive mental health services and begin closing the gap in the cycle of violence.

I am a Masters in Social Work student at the University of Southern California, and I have seen the effects of bullying first hand. I am here to encourage you to call upon your elected officials and advocate for the individuals suffering the horrible side effects of bullying without being able to do anything about it. Don’t waste anymore time. Call your elected officials and let them know about the importance of this bill passing. Your voice can and will be heard.
For additional information, visit: http://www.pacer.org/bullying and/or http://www.stopbullying.gov.