The idea of ‘mean girls’ is nothing new. Unfortunately, as long as there have been schoolgirls, there’s always been, and there’s going to be, mean girls. Because middle school is ripe with emotional, physical, and social changes, this age can be a prime target for bullying behavior.
Learn more about bullying in middle school, how it can affect academics, and how Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School can help students overcome these challenging social situations.
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The Rise of Bullying in Middle School
The transition between elementary school and middle school leaves many students navigating a whole new world. Bullying generally increases toward the end of elementary school, then middle school girls experience bullying that continues into high school. Some reasons bullying begins around this age include:
- Growing romantic interests
- Increased autonomy and more unstructured time
- Navigating new relationships with students from other elementary schools
- Shifting group dynamics that often use friendship to manipulate others
All of these changes, combined with expectations of typical female behaviors (to withhold anger, be considerate of others, care what others think, and be overly friendly to everyone), can set girls up for unrealistic expectations and bullying situations.
Bullying, defined as ‘to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable,’ can manifest itself in toxic ‘frenemy’ relationships. Girls finding themselves in these types of relationships will often exhibit the following behaviors:
- Always seek approval for decisions from peers
- Apologize for things they did not do
- Experience intense jealousy
- Give and receive hurtful criticism
- Gossip about other people
- Worry about embarrassment or rejection
Bullying is a way to combat insecurity and adolescence and middle school are heightened times of insecurity and identity formation.
Types of Bullying and Where It Occurs
Bullying manifests in various forms, each leaving a distinct impact on its victims.
- Social bullying primarily revolves around damaging someone’s reputation or social standing. This can occur through exclusion from groups, spreading rumors, or public humiliation, often seen in social settings like hallways, and classrooms.
- Physical bullying includes direct harm to an individual, such as hitting, pushing, or any other form of physical intimidation, which is often witnessed in places like locker rooms or on the school bus.
- Cyberbullying has become increasingly prevalent, taking place through digital platforms such as social media, gaming, and messaging apps. Children may face harassment or derogatory comments from peers who feel empowered by the anonymity of online interactions. This type of bullying extends beyond school hours, creating an environment on social media where victims feel constantly threatened, even in their own homes.
How Cyberbullying Affects Teens
It’s not surprising that when a teen is bullied, their healthy development becomes threatened. Students who are bullied are at an increased risk for behavior problems, including aggression, hyperactivity, and inattention, as well as negative behaviors that can lead to further issues. Additionally, many students who are bullied experience depression and anxiety, which can last into adulthood if left untreated.
Several studies have also linked bullying to poor academic achievement. For example, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed that students who were bullied were less connected to school, had lower motivation at school, had lower academic competence, and had lower academic aspirations in comparison to those who were not bullied. Some students who are bullied even drop out of school altogether, thus making addressing the problem of bullying essential.
What are the Warning Signs of Bullying?
Recognizing the warning signs of bullying is crucial for parents and educators. Children often exhibit changes in behavior that can indicate they are experiencing bullying or may bully others. Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Unexplainable injuries or frequent complaints of aches and pains
- Sudden changes in appetite, such as skipping meals or overeating
- Withdrawal from social activities or a drop in academic performance
If you notice your child exhibiting these behaviors, it may be time to have an open conversation about their experiences at school. It’s important to take immediate next steps to help your teen or child.
Steps to Address Bullying: Creating Hope and Connectedness
Chrysalis School, can also help your teen heal and rebuild their confidence. We not only help girls heal from emotional trauma, but we are also a fully accredited school. We know how important it is for our students to learn and provide a comprehensive and rigorous education for each girl. We also work to develop a positive relationship with learning and long-term educational resilience, helping each child rediscover the joy of learning.
If your daughter is struggling with bullying, contact us at 406-998-6313. We can help your daughter today!
