Map Shows Where Children Are Most Likely to Be Bullied

A new map from the team at PA Requirements displays the locations in the U.S. where children are most likely to bully and be bullied. Unfortunately, bullying is a widespread issue in the United States, with more than a third of school-age children experiencing bullying last year. The study is based on data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. The map color-codes the percentage of children who have been bullied or engaged in bullying. The result is a map that gives us a full-color illustration of the depth and severity of the American bullying problem.

Click below to zoom.

The team found that children are most likely to be bullied in Montana. In that state, 55% of children were bullied at least once in the past year, a truly shocking number. Tragically, 3.6% of Montana children reported daily bullying. Wyoming and West Virginia followed Montana for the highest instances of bullying.

Overall, these 10 states had the highest rates of children reporting being bullied at least once in the past year:

1. Montana: 55.0%
2. Wyoming: 53.8%
3. Vermont: 50.5%
4. Utah: 49.5%
5. North Dakota: 49.1%
6. Maine: 49.0%
7. Wisconsin: 48.9%
8. Colorado: 48.7%
9. Idaho: 48.4%
10. South Dakota: 47.9%

Children are also most likely to be the bullies in Montana, which makes sense. A high rate of bullying can suggest a high number of bullies. Perhaps the victims go on to become the bullies. Studies suggest that bullying can be cyclical.

These 10 states have the highest percentages of children who have bullied someone else in the past year:

1. Montana: 25.7%
2. Wyoming: 24.2%
3. South Dakota: 24.2%
4. Maine: 23.0%
5. Iowa: 21.8%
6. Colorado: 21.7%
7. North Dakota: 21.6%
8. Vermont: 20.4%
9. Utah: 20.4%
10. Missouri: 20.3%

Bullying is damaging to a child’s development. It can occur in or out of school. The four forms of bullying are physical, verbal, cyberbullying, and social/relational bullying. Relational bullying targets the victim’s social standing and can take the form of malicious gossip and rumors or exclusion from social groups.

Adults around victims can help prevent bullying, and it’s up to these same adults to set a good example and create safe spaces for children at home and at school. Some of the top tips for the prevention of bullying include:

• Teaching children to recognize bullying and understand why it’s wrong.
• Helping children learn to confidently stand up to a bully by telling them to stop and walk away to get adult help.
• Encouraging children to talk to trusted adults about bullying.
• Fostering confidence in children by encouraging them to pursue their interests and be proud of who they are.
• Modeling good behaviors, like respect and kindness.

There’s no concrete way to completely eliminate bullying, but these strategies can help create an environment where bullying is stifled. Teachers, parents, daycare workers, counselors, and social workers should all be aware of how to recognize the signs of bullying and take steps toward prevention.