Kendra started at a new school in seventh grade. During her first week, a group of girls started teasing her. Then more kids joined in. Now she gets called names every day. People push her in the hallways. They steal her backpack and throw it in the trash. Kendra wants help, but she is embarrassed to tell her parents or her teachers. She feels like everything is her fault.

Bullying is a serious problem in schools today. Punching, teasing, and spreading rumors all constitute bullying. About half of all kids say they have been bullied at some point during their time in school. Many kids who are bullied have trouble concentrating in school. Others try to avoid school entirely. Some kids who are bullied experience depression and may even think about killing themselves.

Many schools have amended their rules to try to legislate bullying. These rules usually provide consequences for bullies and support for students who are bullied. However, some people think that amended school rules will not be able to resolve the problem of bullying, especially since many bullying incidents are not reported. They suggest that peer intervention is the key to resolving bullying. One study showed that, when another student stepped in, 57% of the bullying incidents stopped within 10 seconds. By showing students how they can step in or speak up, the amount of bullying in schools could significantly decrease. Should kids take action when they see bullying incidents?

Some researchers say that the bystanders who observe bullying and do nothing are as guilty as the bullies. But is it fair to blame student bystanders for not intervening to resolve the bullying incident? Student bystanders may be afraid to intervene, fearing they themselves will be targeted by the bullies. Furthermore, the bullying may be taking place on social media or through text messages. Many kids just don’t know what to do. They say it is easier to walk away.

Giving every student access to education is a matter of equity. Every student should have what they need to succeed. This includes a safe school environment where everyone feels welcome. What do you think? Could school rules be amended to end bullying for good? Or should students be responsible for stepping in to prevent bullying? Should they put themselves at risk to protect their classmates?