Bullying at school seems to be decreasing, but for those still experiencing it, it’s high as ever.  

In a random survey of 100 Morton East students, 13 percent reported being bullied this year.  The majority, 87 percent of those surveyed, say they haven’t been bullied – at least not this year.  

According to www.stopbullying.gov, 20% of U.S. students in grades 9–12 experience bullying. Approximately 30% of young people admit to bullying others in surveys. 70.6% of young people say they have seen bullying in their schools. 70.4% of school staff have seen bullying. 62% witnessed bullying two or more times in the last month and 41% witness bullying once a week or more.  

What is that they say?  Words can hit harder than fists. 

“I was called many names as a kid; this made no one want to play with me,” one anonymous student said.   

But, sometimes the bullying is physical.  Actually, something that some people might think is small turns into assault when the victim is being tormented. 

“I was given a wedgie in school, and wet willies,” another anonymous student said. 

People bullying truly happens to plan on very aggressive ideas to bully their victims with aggressive assaults.    

“My pants were dropped in a toilet,” another anonymous student said. 

Which places do people get bullied the most?  

“I think schools are where most bullying occurs; that, and the internet – on social media,” English teacher Mr. Kent Frankfother said.  

So, how can students and young adults stop the bullying?  

“Students can be aware of the differences of the population before they say an (insensitive/hurtful) joke or random comment — (students) should be responsible,” Mr. Frankfother said.  

15% of high school students (grades 9–12) were electronically bullied in the past year.  When it comes to cyberbullying, what can students and young adults do to not be involved?   

“(If, for example, it’s on Facebook,) put a block on it and report it if it’s hateful or disrespectful,” Mr. Frankfother said. “Remember, sometimes bullying can result in suicide,” he added.