What parents do not know about

 What parents do not know about

The following article seeks to illustrate the results of a survey that was carried out on upper grade students from different schools in Neiva about their coexistence situation in their classrooms, whether they suffered bullying or not.

*School Bullying: A Reality We Cannot Ignore*

School bullying is a widespread problem affecting thousands of students worldwide. Although it's often associated with physical aggression, bullying can take multiple forms, equally harmful, such as hurtful words and humiliating comments. In this article, we'll explore the types of bullying and its prevalence in students' academic trajectories.

*What is Bullying?*

Bullying refers to aggressive behavior that can manifest physically, verbally, psychologically, sexually, or socially. These acts can cause profound emotional and psychological harm to victims, affecting their self-esteem and overall well-being. In schools, many students experience bullying at some point, negatively impacting their social and emotional development.

*Prevalence of Bullying in Schools*

A student survey reveals that over 50% have experienced bullying at least occasionally during their academic career. The first image shows:

- 56% of respondents experienced bullying occasionally.

- 14% were frequent victims.

- 4% were always bullied.

- Only 26% never experienced bullying.

These statistics demonstrate that a significant majority has had negative experiences related to school bullying, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and prevention.

*Most Recognized Types of Bullying*

Regarding the types of bullying students know, the results are diverse, as shown in the second image. The top five types mentioned are:

- Psychological and verbal bullying: Each recognized by 21.78% of respondents.

- Physical bullying: Identified by 20.79%.

- Sexual bullying: Mentioned by 18.81%.

- Social bullying: Known by 16.83%.

It's essential to note that bullying has multiple forms, and students can be victims of more than one type simultaneously. This understanding allows us to recognize the complexity of school bullying and the need for comprehensive prevention strategies.

*Preventing Bullying*

Prevention requires a shared responsibility among students, parents, teachers, and school authorities. Some actions include:

1. Fostering a culture of respect and tolerance in schools, valuing diversity.

2. Establishing clear policies and anonymous reporting systems.

3. Training teachers and staff to identify and address bullying.

4. Providing psychological support to victims.

*Conclusion*

School bullying affects more students than we imagine. With a collective approach, we can create safer, more welcoming school environments where children and adolescents can develop without fear of bullying. The survey statistics show that the fight against bullying is far from over, but with education and empathy, we can make a difference.

 Researched by Antonia Ortiz, Maria J. Cuellar and Juan Peña