Beyond the playground: Understanding how bullying drives youth to tragedy

Gabbard

Editor’s Note: September is National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month and therefore we will be covering a critical and often overlooked issue: the alarming rate of suicides in rural Oklahoma. In this four-part series, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by our communities, where isolation, limited resources, and stigma can create formidable barriers to mental health support. Our goal is to spark conversation, inspire action, and offer hope to those in need. This is part four.

In recent years, the tragic rise in youth suicides has ignited critical discussions about the role of bullying in young people’s lives. Research consistently shows a link between bullying behavior and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions among adolescents. This connection underscores the urgent need for a deeper examination of the environments—both at school and home—that contribute to these distressing issues.

The Bullying-Suicide Link

Studies have revealed that youth who experience bullying are significantly more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide compared to their peers. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, nearly 20 percent of high school students reported being bullied, with a substantial number expressing feelings of hopelessness and despair. The emotional toll of bullying can be overwhelming. It erodes self-worth and creates an environment of fear and isolation.

Influencing Factors

The school environment plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of bullying and mental health. Schools that foster a culture of inclusivity and support can significantly reduce incidents of bullying. Conversely, environments where bullying is tolerated or overlooked can exacerbate the issue. A study from the National Center for Educational Statistics found that students in schools with strong anti-bullying policies reported feeling safer and more supported.

Equally important is the influence of home life. Children who experience bullying at school may also face challenges at home, such as family conflict or a lack of emotional support. The home environment can either serve as a refuge or add to the turmoil. When children feel unsupported at home, they are less likely to seek help for their struggles at school.

The Role of Community Intervention Programs

Addressing the complex relationship between bullying and youth suicide requires a collaborative approach. Community intervention programs have emerged as a powerful means of tackling these issues, proactively. Programs that promote awareness, education, and support can create safer environments for our young people.

One notable initiative is the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative, which brings together educators, mental health professionals, and families to address bullying and its effects. Through workshops and support groups, participants learn to recognize the signs of bullying and develop strategies for intervention.

Community involvement is essential. When everyone is engaged, teachers, parents, and students, and other community partners such as Boys and Girls Club, faith-based organizations, and substance use prevention organizations, we create a supportive network that can help prevent bullying and promote mental well-being.

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), signed into law in June 2022, addresses some of the root causes of school violence, particularly the need to improve school climate, according to a report from the Center for American Progress.

The law authorizes and appropriates funding for schools and districts to use for mental health services, out of school programs, and community-based supports rather than for “hardening” schools by, for example, adding metal detectors, access control devices and armed security, the report states.

It provides $1.24 billion to expand access to school-based mental health services and $50 million to help schools more easily bill Medicaid for those services. It also includes additional funding for two funding streams in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965: $1 billion for Title IV Part A to improve school health and safety and $50 million for Title IV Part B to improve access to out-of-school programming, the report states.

Both funding streams can be used to support a variety of school and community-based programs that align with the goals of the BSCA, giving states and districts significant flexibility in determining how to best use the funds in their communities. Two specific ways that these funds can be used to improve the safety and climate of public schools include: Expanding access to school-based mental health services and investing in out-of-school and afterschool learning opportunities, the report states.

Hardening schools can have particularly detrimental effects on students of color, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and other marginalized students. Research indicates that increased funding for school policing, metal detectors, and surveillance disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, often leading to higher rates of suspensions, expulsions, and interactions with law enforcement that disrupt their education, according to the report.

Rather than implementing hardening measures, state and local leaders should focus on fostering physically and emotionally safe environments for all students. They can utilize funding from the BSCA to support the overall well-being of communities and schools, emphasizing holistic approaches that enhance safety without infringing on students’ civil rights or disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, according to the report, the report states.

The COVID-19 pandemic, rising gun violence, and other sources of community trauma have intensified the youth mental health crisis in the U.S. In late 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in youth mental health. Importantly, the notion that mental health issues lead to violence is misleading; research reveals a complex relationship between mental health and violent behavior, and having a mental illness does not inherently predispose individuals to violence, according to the report.

This misconception can stigmatize mental health diagnoses and treatment.

Expanding Access

The rising mental health needs among youth underscore the necessity of accessible mental health care for students’ overall well-being and academic success. Research indicates that schoolbased mental health services serve as a vital entry point for students seeking mental health support, especially for students of color, those from low-income families, and those with public insurance, according to the report.

Currently, most states mandate schools or districts offer counseling services while some states mandate mental health services to students. However, many schools still lack sufficient access to mental health professionals, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers. In fact, 14 million students are enrolled in schools with law enforcement personnel but no counselors, nurses, psychologists, or social workers available, according to the report.

How to help

As awareness and acknowledgement of the connection between bullying and youth suicide grows, it is crucial for schools, families, and communities to prioritize mental health and safety. Creating a culture of open dialogue where young people feel safe discussing their experiences can be transformative. Additionally, implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies and support programs is vital to fostering resilience among students, according to the Center for American Progress report.

By addressing bullying and its underlying causes, we can take significant steps toward safeguarding the mental health of our youth and preventing future tragedies.

Understanding the intricate relationship between bullying, mental health, and youth suicide is critical to fostering a supportive environment for our young people. Through dedicated efforts at home, in schools, and within the community, we can make meaningful progress in tackling these pressing issues and ultimately help ensure a brighter future for all students.

This approach should involve the entire school community, including raising awareness and providing training for both staff and students.

Natalie Gabbard is a licensed professional counselor in Atoka. She is passionate about advocating to reduce the stigma associated with both mental health and substance use disorders. She likes utilizing creative art therapy interventions, and loves to empower clients to cultivate self-love and advocate for themselves. She is empathetic and compassionate, and believes knowledge is power.