It was the biggest event of the year for the Raleigh North Carolina Chapter of the American Association of University Women.  AAUW Raleigh chapter members hosted a study circle on bullying at East Wake Middle School on Tuesday evening, May 1.  About 80 people attended including parents, teachers, students and AAUW Raleigh chapter members.

Terry Wall is the key organizer and was encouraged by the positive community response.  “This was our first study circle on bullying but we were delighted with the animated discussions and the group brainstorming that followed.  We now feel even more hopeful AAUW can help eradicate this worrying problem in American schools.”

School Bullying in America and North Carolina

School bullying is a growing problem in America where estimates say 13 million children are likely to be bullied this year alone.  Other estimates say 3 million children miss school each month due to fears of ongoing bullying.  And North Carolina schools aren’t immune.  North Carolina schools are so concerned about bullying they passed an anti-bullying law in 2009.  Extreme bullying has resulted in catastrophic events such as a 10-year-old hanging himself last fall.  And a 2005 study conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network concluded that North Carolina students were a third more likely than other American students to be bullied.

How the AAUW Study Circle Helps

Being there at the East Wake Middle School confirmed for AAUW members that educating school communities on how to deal with bullying is one of the strongest responses. Nancy Allen, East Wake Middle School principal started the May 1st discussion by sharing her own story. “I was bullied.  And when I hear of other people being bullied, it hurts,” she said.

Ms. Allen showed the group the trailer for the new movie; “Bully.”  This showed intense bullying scenes on a school bus and talked about a boy so desperate enough to end bullying he took his own life.

Later, in the media room, AAUW branch members facilitated smaller discussion groups.  Children talked about their own experiences. Others confided what prevents them from speaking about bullying and parents brainstormed on how to ensure their children are safe.

Here are some of the findings that resulted: 

• Bullying is most likely to occur on the school bus.  In one group 5 out of five children said they only see bullying on the school bus

• Between classes bullying is more likely to occur.

• Language barriers is one deterrent for children reporting bullying.  One child said he doesn’t believe there is a word for “bullying” in Spanish.  He also said his mother wouldn’t feel comfortable talking with the principal or teachers in English.

Here are some potential solutions that arose:

• Each school must strongly define what bullying means so everyone is clear when that boundary is crossed

• Parents must check in with their child daily, asking if they felt threatened or uncomfortable

• Having a volunteer monitor on each school bus (such as a parent) is worth exploring as a deterrent

• Students must report any situation where they felt bullied or witnessed bullying to the principal directly

• Continue open and free conversation about bullying

• Ensure non-English speaking parents are aware school translation services exist

The study circle concluded with students reading poems about bullying.  Ms Allen alerted all the next anti-bullying event at East Wake Middle School is on August 3 when the parents of one of the children who committed suicide and was depicted in “Bully” will come speak.  She thanked the AAUW again for hosting such a helpful and meaningful event and encouraged the AAUW Raleigh chapter to continue hosting a similar study circles elsewhere. “We have a problem and together we will solve it,” the principal said.