Bullying is a widespread problem throughout the United States. According to the CDC, “about 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property and more than 1 in 6 high school students reported being bullied electronically in the last year.” This data was last reviewed in October of 2020. The Summers County Public Library is taking a stand against bullying with a new anti-bullying campaign.
The campaign is called Super Human and is putting out the call for all “superheroes” to step forward and stand against bullying. The CDC reports that 14% of public schools reported that bullying issues occur daily or at least “once a week.” This same report details that middle schools have the highest reported bullying at 28%. High schools come in second at 16%. This is followed by combination schools leaving primary schools with the lowest amount at only nine percent. Cyberbullying rates are higher in all categories except primary schools.
Out of the youth experiencing bullying, many of them fall within a minority group. Those in the LGBTQIA+ community have the highest rate with almost 40% of high school students who are openly part of the community experiencing bullying in the data year. The next highest is female students. Approximately 30% of female students were bullied in the given timeframe. Unfortunately, the list goes on.
Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” The definition goes on to say, “The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” There are multiple types of bullying; physical, verbal, relational/social and damage to property of the victim. Bullying can occur in person as well as through technological means also known as cyberbullying. Physical bullying is exactly what it sounds like, hitting, kicking, even tripping someone. Verbal often includes name-calling and teasing while relational/social often looks like spreading rumors or leaving someone out in a group setting. These are all examples given by the CDC but are not inclusive of all possible definitions.
Anyone who signs the anti-bullying pledge with The Summers County Library will receive a free bracelet while supplies last. Be the change, be superhuman and become a superhero.
In addition to the anti-bullying campaign, the library is also starting a culture club. The club will meet once a month beginning in September. Each meeting will consist of learning about a different culture from around the world. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “culture” as meaning, “the customary beliefs, social forms and material traits of a racial, religious or social group: the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.” This can include the language that is spoken, how the people dress and the holidays they celebrate.
September’s Culture Club Meeting will be about Israel. Currently, meetings are planned for the first Tuesday of each month at 5:00 at the library.
For more information on the anti-bullying campaign or the new club, call the library during open hours at 304-466-4490. You can also visit the library’s Facebook page under Summers County Public Library or check out the website at www.summers.lib.wv.us.
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