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The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle

The student news site of Atlantic High School

AHSneedle

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AHS JOURNALISM GOLD SPONSOR

Bullying takes hold of schools

by Malachi Wickman and Branden Ballinger

Bullying can come in many different ways, ranging from cyber-bullying to physical bullying.  Although some people may think bullying doesn’t occur in Atlantic High School, you may be surprised to find out that it does.

A new form of harassing behavior is cyber bullying, using technology to verbally abuse or mentally harm others.  Cyber-bullying includes posting insults or lies on Facebook. texting in a threatening or cruel way, or forwarding pictures and emails with the intent to embarrass or anger others.

Nobody thinks they will ever be bullied or bully someone themselves, but many times this is not the case.  Sierra Worth, a senior at Atlantic High School, said, “I have never been bullied, but I have seen people being bullied and I didn’t do anything but I should have.”  Research shows that kids don’t report bullies because they don’t what the reputation of being a “snitch.”  Some students don’t realize when bullying is happening all around, because it can be as subtle as a rude comment.

Kids bully for a variety of reasons.   Many of these revolve around a low self esteem, family issues, or they witness violence at home.  Students may bully to make themselves feel better, and they may find happiness in the misery of others.  However, most students bully because they feel like it gives them power, or makes them look cool.  Freshman Justin O’Neill, when asked if he had ever been a bully, he said, “Yes, in 6th grade in front of all my friends because I thought I was cool.”

Bullying happens everywhere.  According to the National Association of School Psychologists, one out of four kids are bullied, 77% of students are bullied mentally, and 282,000 students are physically attacked each moth in secondary schools.  Although these statistics may seem really high, it is the reality.

Many students in Atlantic High School have been bullied.  When asked if they have ever been bullied, Senior Kaitlynn Wiley said, “Yes, in elementary school.  I’m sure I deserved it because I was a jerk.  Some kids took my white hat and buried it in the snow.”  Sophomore Josh Schorle said, “Yes, I was in middle school.  I don’t remember why, but it was humiliating.  They sort of came out of no where and attacked me.”

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  • S

    Stacie SorensenDec 17, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    I think this is a great topic to write on but I would love to see some ideas on what to do if someone is bullied and who to talk to.

    Reply
  • Z

    Zoe KruegerNov 24, 2010 at 10:02 am

    I really like this story and i think that people over look being “cyber bullied”. I’ve been harrassed through texting numerous times. It needs to stop.

    Reply
  • D

    Delsin ArnoldNov 24, 2010 at 7:34 am

    I’ve been bullied before and it sucks. Mostly just name calling and stuff like that. No one has ever physically bullied me or anything.

    Reply
  • J

    Josh SchorleNov 19, 2010 at 10:40 am

    Good article!

    And yes, getting bullied is humiliating. When I was bullied, my emotions got the better of me & I felt like hitting the person in face for what they had done.

    Reply