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6.2.3 Share of 6th, 8th & 10th Graders Self-Reporting Being Bullied
Why is this important?
Bullying is defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as “any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners, involving an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. A growing form of bullying comes indirectly through technology such as email, chat rooms, instant messages, websites, text messages or social media, and is referred to as cyber bullying."
Bullying can be both physical and emotional resulting in social difficulties, physical injuries, and academic problems. Youths who report frequently being involved are at a greater risk for suicide-related behaviors. This relationship between bullying and suicide has been closely monitored by the CDC and a clear correlation has been established.
However, in many cases youths may not report nor show any observable signs of bullying, so addressing some cases can be quite difficult. The CDC states that the best ways to combat bullying include improving supervision, establishing a school-wide anti-bullying policy that is enforced consistently, and promoting cooperation among all parties involved, from staff to parents and students.
This indicator measures the share of 6th, 8th & 10th graders who self-reported being bullied at school in Walla Walla County. Washington State is offered as a benchmark. Additional information, including data for 12th graders, can be found in the "Download Data" section.
Where are we?
During 2023 in Walla Walla County, the share of public school students who were bullied and were in the:
- 6th grade was 42% , increasing from 36% in 2006.
- 8th grade was 29%, decreasing slightly from 30% in 2006.
- 10th grade was 18%, decreasing from 23% in 2006.
By comparison during 2023 in Washington State, the share of public school students who were bullied and were in the:
- 6th grade was 33%, increasing slightly from 32% in 2006.
- 8th grade was 28%, increasing slightly from 27% in 2006.
- 10th grade was 17%, decreasing from 23% in 2006.
Data Sources
Washington State Department of Health: Healthy Youth Survey - HYS Fact Sheets
- Select appropriate year and county. Under "Safety and Violence Behaviors", mark the appropriate grades under "Bullying and Harassment".
Notes:
1) According to the State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) “measures health risk behaviors that contribute to morbidity, mortality, and social problems among youth in Washington State. These behaviors include alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries (e.g., violence), dietary behaviors, physical activity, and related risk and protective factors.” In 2016, over 230,000 students from over 1,000 schools, in all 39 counties participated in the HYS. Accuracy is limited to the truthfulness of the youths' response.
2) This information comes from a survey so the data presented are estimates. Each point has a margin of error (high and low estimates), and while not presented here, they are offered by the source.
3) This indicator does not include students in private or home schools.
4) Learn more about the Healthy Youth Survey here.
