Once considered just a rite of passage, bullying is now recognized as the serious problem that it is. According to Stop Bullying.org, “bullying affects all youth, including those who are bullied, those who bully others, and those who witness bullying.”
Bullying is a widespread phenomenon that affects young people around the globe. A recent survey found that approximately 20% of youngsters 12 to 18 report being bullied. For children and teens with disabilities though, the percentages are much higher. According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, “children with disabilities are 2 to 3 times more likely to be bullied than their nondisabled peers.”
Bullying can have devastating ramifications for children with and without disabilities. Studies show that bullying causes emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and even suicidal ideation. Bullying also takes a toll on victims’ learning since children who are victimized may avoid going to school and participating in class. Bullied students may also suffer from poor concentration or lose interest in learning. Bullying can even result in a student’ s decision to drop out of school.
In fact, bullying can have long-term effects that persist throughout adulthood. These include poor self-esteem, mental health and substance abuse problems, academic and occupational failure, financial instability, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
Typically, when we see media coverage about bullying, it is painful and alarming. That’s why we were so pleased to come upon a recent CNN story about bullying that ended happily. The article, on CNN.com, told the poignant story of 11-year-old Embla Adem who lives in North Macedonia, a country in southern Europe that was once part of Yugoslavia. Embla has Down syndrome, the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. The syndrome causes learning differences, distinctive facial characteristics, short stature and certain medical problems.
As a result of her disability, Embla was being bullied by some of her classmates. When the situation came to the attention of the president of North Macedonia—Stevo Pendarovski—he took decisive action.
According to CNN, Pres. Pendarovski made a bold statement when he was filmed walking Embla to school; meeting with the child and her parents; and giving her gifts. The president used the photo op to let the world know that bullying “is unacceptable, especially when it comes to children with atypical development.”
Pres. Pendarovski went on to say that children with disabilities “should not only enjoy the rights they deserve, but also feel equal and welcome in the school desks and schoolyard.”
Added the president: “It is our obligation, as a state, but also as individuals, and the key element in this common mission is empathy. … We are all equal in this society.”
We can only wish *every* child experiencing bullying would have such a great advocate on their side. Kudos to Pres. Pendarovski for doing his part to help
