As kids return to school, parents are often concerned about safety and bullying. The Center for Disease Control study found that 28 percent of U.S. students in grades 6-12 (approximately 4,172,000 children) are victims of bullying each year. Perhaps more shockingly, 70.6 percent of students say that they have witnessed bullying at least once. Bullying can have detrimental effects on students and a school community. It can lead to bad grades, a lack of trust, mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse and suicide.
We are often less aware of sexual harassment and violence in schools, but they are often as prevalent and damaging as bullying. Studies show that 58 percent of 7th-12th graders are victims of sexual harassment each year, 20 percent of young women are sexually assaulted while in high school, and 18 percent of teenagers say that they have been in an abusive dating relationship by the time they turn 18. These statistics paint a scary picture, and beg the question, “what can we do to stop this?”
We must empower our students to recognize and speak up about bullying and harassment. They are on the front lines of these issues and need to know how to get help when they or their friends need it. Crisis Intervention Services offers violence prevention programs for youth of all ages. With education and dedication, everyone has the power to stop violence from happening in our schools. For more information on how to get involved, contact Crisis Intervention Services at 641- 673-0336.
Evy Tews
Oskaloosa