September 5, 2025

Bullying: A Growing Problem and How to STOP It

Bullying continues to be a growing problem in New Hampshire and throughout the country. A national survey found that 100% of students said they had been bullied, seen bullying, or knew it was happening. More startling, the same study found that nearly 20% of students are victims of bullying. 

At Merrimack Pediatrics, part of Southern New Hampshire Health, we’re here to help families understand bullying, prevent it, and support their children, whether they're being bullied, are the bully, or witness it. 

Where and Why Bullying Happens 

Bullying can happen anywhere. According to the Institute of Educational Science, this behavior happens most frequently at school.  boys bullying student- what to do

Bullying happens in many places at school: 

  • Classrooms – 39% 
  • Hallways or stairs – 37.5% 
  • Cafeterias – 25.1% 
  • Playgrounds or outside school buildings – 24.4% 

Students say they’re most often bullied for: 

  • Appearance – 32.7% 
  • Race or ethnicity – 13%  
  • Disability – 9.7% 
  • Gender – 9.2% 
  • Sexual orientation – 8.9% 
  • Religion – 5.8% 

A 2024 study on cyberbullying finds that online aggression is also rising. 26.5% of students reported online bullying. 

Why Bullying Is So Harmful 

Kids who are bullied often suffer in many ways. They may: 

  • Feel bad about themselves  
  • Be unmotivated to do schoolwork  
  • Have strained relationships with friends and family  
  • Even suffer physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches  

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bullying is also linked to: 

  • Depression and anxiety 
  • Physical Injury  
  • Sleep problems 
  • Poor grades 
  • Skipping school 
  • Self-harm or suicide 

Both bullies and victims face the highest risk of mental health problems. 

How Bullying Affects Learning 

girl comforting her bullied friendWhen bullying is repeated, kids may stop trying in school. Studies show it affects: 

  • Math  and literacy skills 
  • Group work and teamwork 
  • School attendance 
  • Classroom motivation 

 

What Parents Can Do: 

How to identify if your child is a victim of bullying 

When talking with your child, don’t just ask if they’re being bullied. 

A better way to approach it is to say: 

  • “I’ve heard a lot about bullying in the news. Is that going on at your school?” 
  • “I’m worried about you. Are there any kids at school who may be picking on you or bullying you?” 
  • “Are there any kids at school who tease you in a mean way?” 
  •  “Are there any kids at school who leave you out or exclude you on purpose?” 

Some subtle questions: 

  • “Do you have any special friends at school this year? Who are they? Who do you hang out with?” 
  • “Who do you sit with at lunch and on the bus?” 
  • “Are there any kids at school who you really don’t like? Why don’t you like them? Do they ever pick on you or leave you out of things?” 

If Your Child Is Being Bullied 

  • Talk with the school and trusted adults. parent comforting bullied child
  • Help your child respond calmly and firmly. 
  • Encourage friendships and outside interests. 
  • Watch social media and text messages for red flags. 

As parents, we are the role models for our children.

Parents are children's first teachers. That includes how we act, especially in stressful moments. Think about times on the sidelines of a game, in a family argument, or during online discussions. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Did I raise my voice? 
  • Did I name-call or blame? 
  • Was I respectful even when I was upset? 

Our kids see all of it. If we show bullying behaviors in our own lives, even by accident, our children are learning from that. Children often model the behaviors they see and witness. Instead, we can teach them in better ways. 

Talk with your child about these moments: 

  • What happened? 
  • Was it respectful? 
  • What could have been done differently? 

These real-life examples help kids learn how to manage conflict and treat others with respect. 

Let’s Work Together to End Bullying! 

Less than half of students tell an adult when they are bullied. We must create a world where that number goes up, starting here in Merrimack. 

At Merrimack Pediatrics, we are here to support your family. If you're worried about bullying, talk to us. Together, we can help our children feel safe, strong, and supported. 

Dr Karen Morgan Merrimack Pediatrics

Before earning her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the University of New England, Dr. Karen Morgan received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Merrimack College and a master’s degree in medical sciences from Boston University. She completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and has worked in pediatrics ever since. Dr. Morgan is in practice at Merrimack Pediatrics and is accepting new patients. 

 

 

 

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