BULLYING & DRUG ABUSE: THE CONNECTION
By RICK GALE, Chairman
Montana State Elks Association
Drug Awareness Program
Kids who are surrounded by substance use, crime, poverty, and violence at home or in their neighborhoods are more likely to turn to bullying and drug or alcohol use.
In the 2017 School Crime Supplement (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicated that, nationwide, about 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide.
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.
The Elks Drug Awareness Program recently published “Bullying & Drug Abuse: The Connection” and is being distributed by Elks Lodges throughout Montana.
The literature includes things that kids can do to keep themselves safe and the kids they know safe:
- Stop and think before you say or do something that could hurt someone. Report all bullying to and responsible adultIf you are a victim of bullying, don’t keep your feelings inside.
- Telling someone can help you feel less alone. Ask an adult to help you find a counselor or other professional to talk to.Effective prevention programs can educate teachers, students, school administrators, and parents on how harmful bullying can be with a goal to foster a safe home and community environment.
To learn more about creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy visit stopbullying.gov.
Rick Gale is also a member of the Community-Coalition On Drug Awareness, Bozeman Police Commission, Greater Gallatin Homeless Action Coalition, and Montana State University Substance Abuse Free Environment Coalition.
