Adolescents School Shootings

Adolescents School Shootings



Adolescents School Shootings

Introduction

When children are bullied in school, it is often considered a part of growing up, or preparation for life, but the lasting effects of this bullying is not so obvious. A bully is described as “a person who uses any approach at his or her disposal including, but not limited to, intimidation (physical, emotional, verbal), positional authority, relational authority, or societal authority to create limiting effects on another's behaviors, thoughts, or feelings” (Cross, Tracy L, 2001). To some, bullying is regarded as a normal part of childhood. Many men and women remember being the victim of a bully, yet others remember being the bully. Nevertheless, most people do not realize the potential dangers bullying can cause, both for the bully and the individual being bullied. The harm done to children is irreparable, and whether the damage is emotion or physical, there are negative effects to both parties of the bullying. The deep scars from constantly being looked down upon, in addition to being ostracized, have the potential to lead to further violence, as well as the continuing violence of the bully. Although bullying is seen as a part of everyday life within most American schools, the physical and emotional torment involved can lead to devastating results for the victims and the bullies themselves. In extreme cases, bullying can lead to fatal consequences (Harris, Monica J.; Landau, Steven; Larson, Sarah E.; Milich, Richard. 2001).

Analysis

The damage caused by the violence of childhood and high school bullies can leave lasting consequences on individuals who are harassed by bullies. As a result of continual bullying, teasing and harassment, children may feel defenseless or even feel as if their life is in danger. It is often seen that, “Kids victimized by bullies are likely to suffer mental scars from the experience… Researchers then found that those who were bullied were more likely than their peers to later report symptoms of depression and anxiety.” (Bailey, Tammy Lynn, 2002). The wounds from being bullied as a child will stay with that individual until adulthood— that is if they make it past adolescence. The pain of being an outcast among peers, and looked upon as inferior to other students can push an individual to suicide. For example, “One child committed suicide after being repeatedly teased and tormented about her hair, whereas another child killed himself after being relentlessly teased about his weight (Hefty boy who feared teasing, 1996)” (De Bourdeaudhuij, I.; Stevens, V.; Van Oost, P, 2002). Not all victims react by taking their own lives, but the damage incurred has lasting effects. Many endure the bulling all the way through high school, resulting in mild to traumatic emotional damage depending on the individual. The victim feels helpless with no one to turn to and these feelings of low self esteem may last a lifetime. A small percentage may react to bullies in an aggressive or violent manner as seen recently in school shootings and ...