Understanding Bullying: Causes, Effects, and Prevention Strategies

Abstract

Bullying is a widespread issue that affects individuals across different ages brackets and environments. This paper explores the underlying causes of bullying, the effects it has on its victims, aggressors, and bystanders, and effective prevention strategies. Studies have shown that individual characteristics such as aggression and low empathy, family factors including lack of warmth and harsh discipline, and society influences like cultural norms all have a contributing factor in bullying behavior. The effects of bullying are ambiguous with 20% of the United States students reporting being bullied. This leads to mental health factors like anxiety, depression, and low academic success. Evidence based programs like Kiva have proven to reduce bullying by up to 50% in some schools. This program focuses on promoting empathy, providing mental health support, and changing the school's environment. Meanwhile, community involvement and legislative measures are key to gaining an area of respect and inclusion. This paper will highlight the importance of a proactive approach to understanding and preventing bullying, highlighting the need for teamwork amongst schools, families, communities, and policymakers.

Keywords: Bullying, Causes, Effects, Prevention, Mental Health

Year Manuscript Completed

Summer 2024

Senior Project Advisor

Dr. Tricia Jordan

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Educational Studies

Document Type

Thesis - Murray State Access only

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