Chances are, you or someone you know has been a victim of bullying.  According to stopbullying.gov, bullying is “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.”   

Bullying can be verbal, social, or physical. It can happen anywhere, and it is not limited to children. If you have ever experienced hurtful texts and social media messages, you have been bullied. Would you like to know more about bullying and how to stand up against it?

The organization “Stand Up to Bullying” reports the following:  

• One in five students aged 12-18 has been bullied during the school year.  
• About 160,000 students skip school because of bullying. 
• Verbal harassment is most common at 79%, followed by social harassment at 50%, physical bullying (29%), and cyberbullying (25%). 
• Bullied students ranked lower in reading, mathematics, and science than their peers. 
• Only 39% of high schoolers notify an adult of bullying. 

What are some of the warning signs of bullying? Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs. Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:  

• Unexplainable injuries 
• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry 
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness 
• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch. 
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares 
• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school 
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations 
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem 
• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide 

As Christians, bullying is something that we must take seriously. In the sermon this past Sunday (Oct. 13, 2024), we studied the biblical story of Esther. One of the main characters in the story was a man named Haman (see Esther 3-7), an official in King Xerxes’ court who harbored hatred for Mordecai and the Jewish people. He plotted to annihilate the Jews, using his influence to manipulate the king into issuing a decree for their destruction. His narcissism, pride, prejudice, and desire for power were at the root of his bullying. As we study the Bible, we quickly see that Haman was not the only bully. Consider the following: Pharoah (Exodus 1-14); Goliath (1 Samuel 17); Jezebel (1 Kings 18-19); and the Pharisees in the time of Jesus (Matthew 23:4, 23). In these stories, we see how God called leaders to stand up against bullies and their evil plots. Through God’s power, God’s word reveals that we can overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21). 

What can we do?  

• We can trust in God’s power to overcome evil. 
• Stand up and speak out. 
• Respond not with violence or hatred but with wisdom and prayer.  
• Confront bullying with truth and boldness.  
• Seek God’s guidance and that of others who are in a position to help (i.e., teacher, counselor, principal, parent, social worker, minister, trusted adult). 

Stobullying.gov states, “When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable.” For some do’s and don’ts, please visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/on-the-spot. To get immediate help, visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now. Let’s do our part to provide safe spaces for our kids as we stand up against bullying! 

In Christ’s care and service,