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See also:
The Millennials
Articles
Research
 Over
70% of youth have been bullied by the time they reach grade 9, with
emotional assaults the most common form of bullying, the form that
leaves the deepest scars. Students say adult intervention is infrequent
and ineffective and that teachers seldom, if ever, talk to their
classes about bullying. Both teachers and parents are often unaware
of the extent of the problem. (PATH, May 2002)
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The Issues - Relational Aggression
Courage for Youth's research has led us to target
relational aggression as the issue that threatens the most young
people.
Relational aggression is not typical physical or verbal
bullying but a more subtle form of aggression that uses relationships
to damage or manipulate others. Both boys and girls engage in aggression,
but girls usually express it relationally. They use relationships
to inflict harm, manipulate relationships with their peers, injure
others' feelings of social acceptance. They purposefully ignore
other girls, spread rumours, and tell peers not to associate with
another girl as a means of retaliation.
The consequences are serious. Both victims and aggressors
are at risk for serious adjustment problems that can have far-reaching
effects on their lives, including depression and suicide. Relational
aggression can create a hostile social environment in schools that
affects children's ability to learn and grow.
Three parties are involved in relational aggression:
the bully, the victim, and the bystander. The BC Safe School Task
Force Report states, "The Task Force learned that bystanders
are not innocent witnesses in many cases and are often the cause
of bullying." Real change can take place by empowering the
bystander.
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