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A Boys and Girls Clubs of America survey found that 40% of students said they were bullied on school campuses within the last year, while nearly half of U.S. teens have been harassed online by peers. The Teens of Youth program in Kent County has noticed a high prevalence of bullying in schools, which is a symptom of a broader mental health crisis among modern teens. In addition to bullying, researchers have found links between teens’ mental health issues and factors such as COVID-19 isolation, increased smartphone use during lockdowns, and virtual schooling.
US Students Face Rising Bullying Epidemic
Nationwide, students are grappling with an escalating bullying issue. According to a recent survey by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, 40% of students reported experiencing bullying on school premises in the past year. Moreover, almost half of US teens have faced online harassment by peers.
Loy Kashindi, a participant in Rapid Growth’s Voices of Youth program describes this generation as “lost.” Through Voices of Youth, Kent County teens dig into contemporary issues that impact them in journalism workshops.
Youth Speak Out Through Journalism
The program encourages students to highlight challenges within their community, focusing on those who drive change. Past topics included gun violence in Grand Rapids, staff shortages in Michigan hospitals and the rise of homeschooling.
Bullying was a central concern amongst the participants, with some students making efforts to avoid drawing attention to themselves and possibly becoming a target.
Stark Statistics on Bullying
Data from Pew Research provides a closer look at teens’ experiences with bullying. A 2022 survey of 1,316 U.S. teens found that nearly one in five had false rumors spread about them online by peers. The survey also identified older teenage girls and members of the LGBTQ+ community as more likely victims of bullying.
The Youth Right Now report suggests that COVID-19 isolation, increased smartphone use during lockdowns, and remote learning have contributed to the problem. It states, “Potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, like increased social media use, weakened interpersonal skills, and mental health struggles continue to create challenges for young people.”
The Role of Technology in Bullying
The pervasive use of smartphones and social media has introduced a new layer of complexity to teenage life and bullying. Voices of Youth participant Serenity Reece notes, “I feel like since cell phones and social media have come around, there’s more … cyberbullying in general.”
To learn more about the Voices of Youth project and read other articles in the series, click here. The series is made possible through sponsorships from the Steelcase Foundation, Frey Foundation, PNC Foundation, and Kent ISD.
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