School can be a joyful place. Students make friends and complete projects that can spark lifelong passions. But there is a dark side. Many students experience bullying while at school. Bullying can snuff out any joy associated with school. The problem is even worse for students who are non-traditional learners or are otherwise neurodivergent, as these children are bullied at much higher rates than their peers. 

This article helps parents and caregivers understand what bullying is and why it is particularly harmful to children with educational or behavioral differences. It also offers parents a list of questions to ask about bullying when considering a new school for their exceptional children. 

What Is Bullying? 

If you’ve ever attended school or even watched teen-focused movies or television shows, you probably think you have a good understanding of what bullying is. But you may be surprised to learn that there is an actual scientific definition of bullying. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bullying is “any unwanted aggressive behaviors by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners. It involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated.” 

Bullying can take many forms, such as: 

• Physical bullying involves actions such as punching, hitting, and kicking. 
• Verbal bullying encompasses name-calling, teasing, and similar behaviors. 
• Relational (Social) bullying includes spreading rumors about someone or excluding them from a social group or event.
• In property damage bullying, the bullies destroy the victim’s property. 

Bullying can occur anywhere in the school – in the classroom, locker room, cafeteria, or school bus. However, increasingly, it is also happening away from school. In cyberbullying, students use electronic devices like smartphones to send bullying messages to or about other students. 

According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is most common in the middle school years, with about 25 percent of students experiencing negative interactions. The rate decreases to 15 percent in high school. While both boys and girls can be bullied,   girls are slightly more likely to be bullied and far more likely to be cyberbullied.  

How Bullying Affects School Performance

Student engagement is one of the key markers for academic success. While it is a complex topic, in short, researchers note that it measures a student’s “interest, involvement, and active participation . . . in the learning process.” In other words, engaged students are curious and enthusiastic about school. 

Unsurprisingly, these students have better academic outcomes. A recent Gallup study found that engaged students are 2.5 times more likely to report academic success and 4.5 times more likely to be hopeful about their futures. 

Bullying can destroy student engagement. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes, “Students who are bullied can disengage from school, which can, in turn, negatively impact their relationships and academic achievement.” Bullying can cause many issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. The fear of being bullied or hypervigilance can distract a student from their courses. Depression can also lead to lower motivation and interest in activities, even activities that a person once enjoyed. Bullying victims may avoid speaking up in class or engaging in certain projects for fear that it will lead to increased targeting. 

In short, bullying victims divert the energy previously used for participating in school to avoiding further bullying. Once this happens, school no longer feels like a warm and welcoming place. 

Bullying and Diverse Learners

Unfortunately, students with concerns such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or learning challenges are more likely to be bullied. According to a number of studies, children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their neurotypical peers. 

Bullying is a problem for all children, but it is a particular problem for children with educational or behavioral difficulties. Remember, bullying destroys student engagement. However, neurodivergent children tend to have lower levels of student engagement. As such, any bullying must be addressed promptly to prevent these students from becoming even more disengaged.

Signs That Your Child May Be Being Bullied

Children do not always tell their parents when they are being bullied. This could be for a number of reasons, including not wanting their parents to worry or to bring more attention to the situation. Children who have difficulty understanding social cues may not recognize the behavior as bullying, even if it distresses them. However, parents can watch for certain signs. Here are a few: 

• Unexplained injuries 
• Torn clothing 
• Missing property (shoes, tech devices, etc.) 
• Repeated stomachaches on school days, but none on weekends
• Trouble sleeping 
• Avoiding former friends
• Refusing to go to school
• Decreased interest in normal activities
• Attempts to avoid certain routes, buses, classes, or extracurriculars
• Avoiding social media accounts or digital devices
• Sudden drop in grades 
• New exclusion from friend group

If one or more of these signs suddenly appear or worsen over time, parents should take immediate action. 

How Parents Can Detect Bullying Culture During a School Visit

If you and your family are looking for a new school, understanding the school’s bullying policy should be a top priority. There are things that you can ask and observe that will give you valuable insight into how the potential school handles negative student interactions. 

Things to observe: 

• Pay attention during class changes. Are the bullying “hot spots” like hallways, restrooms, stairwells, and lunchrooms well-staffed? If adults are present, are they actively watching the children, or are they distracted by conversations or paperwork? 
• Does the school prominently display anti-bullying posters and policies? Does the office have a “How to Report Bullying” poster or flyer that is easily visible to students? 
• Does the school’s handbook mention bullying prevention? 

Questions to ask:

• What is your immediate response to bullying behavior? 
• How often does your school administer school climate surveys? Can families see the results?
• If a student with a 504 or IEP is bullied, how long will we have to wait for a meeting to revise the plan? 
• How does the school respond to relational bullying and cyberbullying?
• What programs and supports do you have to get a bullied student back on track, both academically and socially?

Academics West: Ensuring Safe Learning for All Students 

No school is perfect. But every school can create a culture where each student feels cared for and respected. If you’re looking for a safe environment for a child with learning challenges, consider Academics West. Our team uses wrap-around supports to ensure that every child gets the help they need to succeed. 

Here, student safety is foundational, not optional. To learn more about our school, call 212-580-0080 or take a virtual tour today.