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Bullying and its Effect on Youth


©Sunnahcounseling.com

In a recent report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), results show that a large percentage of Muslim students in California have been bullied, simply because they are Muslim. 40.04 percent of the Muslim students reported being bullied at school. Some students have gone as far as to hide their identity because they’re afraid of being bullied for who they are.


While we don’t have any statistics for the Muslim students in Saint Louis, Missouri area, I imagine the results for bullying among youth would be much worse. Missouri ranks third among the top 10 states with bullying problems (WalletHub). In comparison, California ranks 42 in the list of states with bullying problems.


Every seven minutes a child gets bullied (WalletHub). Bullying comes in physical, verbal, and psychological forms of aggression. It can be in person or through text, email, or other social media outlets. Bullying can happen directly in front of you or indirectly, such as by spreading rumors about you. You don’t have to keep hiding and fearing the worst. You don’t have to deal with this alone and remain silent. Let us put a stop to bullying now.


Here are some things you can do if you are a victim of bullying:


  • Speak up

  • Talk to your parents

  • Talk to your school's social worker or counselor

  • Talk to your teachers

  • Let a trusted friend know what's going on

  • Use the buddy system: try to always walk around the school or sit on the bus with a friend

  • Be brave and firmly tell the bully to "STOP!"


Bullying Can Start at an Early Age


Bullying can start as early as elementary school, so parents, please be on alert at all times.


Here are some signs to look for in your children:

  • Change in behavior or mood

  • Changing in eating habits

  • Change in sleeping pattern

  • Avoiding certain places or situations


Constantly check in with your kids and see what’s going on in their lives. Ask about their day and find ways to allow them to talk to you with ease. Spend time with them and give them aman (safety) that you won’t be upset if they tell you what’s going on. You know your child; if you feel like something is wrong, there probably is.



The Effects of Bullying Among Youth


Bullying can leave a negative impact on students, such as:


  • Health complaints

  • Grades go down

  • Skipping and missing school

  • Little participation in school activities

  • Depression*