Bullying Is A Serious Public Health Problem, Not A Normal Part Of Childhood; Zero-Tolerance Doesn’t Work, Experts Warn

A leading panel of experts has warned on Tuesday that bullying is a serious public health problem and should no longer be considered as a normal part of childhood. They also cautioned that the zero-tolerance policies at schools are not working and may actually weave more problems.

Bullying Is A Serious Public Health Problem, Not A Matter Of Kids Of Being Kids

According to Associated Press, a 300-page report of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine stated that bullying is now appropriately considered to be a serious public health problem and should not be treated as a normal behavior among children. The experts' report on bullying across the U.S. found that a child's bullying behavior that stemmed during preschool years may peak as he reaches middle school.

"Bullying has long been tolerated as a rite of passage among children and adolescents, but it has lasting negative consequences and cannot simply be ignored," said Frederic Rivara, chairman of the committee that penned the report on bullying across the U.S. Rivara added that while there is no instant or one-size-fits-all solution to bullying, preventive and interventional policy and practice would be very helpful.

Rivera disclosed that bullying should be efficiently addressed because of its long-term negative consequences. She explained that both bullies and their victims may suffer anxiety, depression and other psychological and physical problems.

Zero-Tolerance Policies For Bullying Should Be Stopped

According to NBC News, the experts' report on bullying across the U.S. also highlighted that the zero-tolerance policies implemented at schools are not working and should be stopped. In fact, the study said that these zero-tolerance policies could have adverse consequences to both the perpetrators and the victims.

The experts pointed out that the zero-tolerance policies at schools, in which bullies are automatically suspended, do not help in decreasing the number of bullying cases. They added that these may result to an underreporting of bullying because of the fear of unfairly harsh punishment.

The experts suggested that schools should study and divert resources to preventative intervention policies and programs. "The programs that appear most effective are those that promote a positive school environment and combine social and emotional skill-building for all students," the report stated.

Is it reasonable to consider bullying as a serious public health problem? Share your thoughts below.