Bullying remains a significant issue in schools across the United States, affecting millions of students each year.
With nearly 20% of high school students reporting bullying on school property, the impact on mental health and academic performance is profound.
While many associate bullying with physical confrontations, it often manifests through verbal abuse, social exclusion, and cyberbullying, making it a multifaceted challenge.
This article explores the varying rates of bullying across the 50 states, shedding light on which regions struggle the most and which have made strides in combating this pervasive issue.
1: North Dakota
North Dakota reports the lowest bullying rates in the U.S., with only 8.8% of high school students experiencing bullying.
The state implements effective anti-bullying laws and programs in schools, promoting awareness and providing resources for affected students.
2: Delaware
Delaware reports a bullying rate of 16.2% among high school students, reflecting ongoing challenges.
Schools in the state implement anti-bullying programs and support systems, but continued efforts are essential to reduce incidents and promote safer environments for all students.
3: Massachusetts
Massachusetts reports a bullying rate of 15.7% among high school students. The state has implemented comprehensive anti-bullying laws, focusing on prevention and intervention programs.
Schools actively promote awareness and provide resources, contributing to a safer environment for students.
4: Indiana
Indiana ranks fourth in bullying rates among U.S. states, with 19.4% of high school students reporting experiences of bullying on school property.
The state has implemented several anti-bullying policies, including schools required to create prevention programs and provide training.
Recent initiatives aim to educate students on empathy and respect, enhancing awareness of bullying’s impact. Despite these efforts, continued challenges remain in creating safe learning environments for all students.
5: Maine
Maine reports a bullying rate of 16.5% among high school students. The state has implemented proactive measures, including comprehensive anti-bullying laws, mandatory training for educators, and resources to support victims.
These initiatives aim to foster a safe learning environment and promote inclusivity.
6: Hawaii
Hawaii reports a bullying rate of 17.8% among high school students, reflecting ongoing concerns.
The state has introduced anti-bullying programs focusing on awareness and intervention, involving educators, parents, and community members to foster a supportive environment.
Hawaii emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in addressing bullying, aiming to create a more inclusive atmosphere in schools.
7: South Carolina
South Carolina reports a bullying rate of 18.5% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws requiring schools to create safe environments.
Schools are mandated to conduct awareness programs, train staff, and provide resources for affected students.
8: Montana
Montana reports a bullying rate of 16.0% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws mandating schools to conduct training and awareness programs.
Schools focus on fostering supportive environments through resources for victims, emphasizing respect and empathy among students.
9: South Dakota
South Dakota reports a bullying rate of 20.2% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws that require schools to address bullying incidents through comprehensive training programs.
Schools also provide resources for victims and promote awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive environment.
10: Missouri
Missouri reports a bullying rate of 19.6% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying legislation that mandates schools to develop prevention programs, offer training for staff, and provide resources for victims.
These initiatives aim to enhance awareness and create safer environments for students.
11: Nebraska
Nebraska reports a bullying rate of 17.3% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws requiring schools to implement prevention programs and train staff on identifying and handling bullying situations.
Schools emphasize awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and support their peers.
12: Utah
Utah reports a bullying rate of 16.0% among high school students. Schools in Utah have enacted comprehensive anti-bullying policies, focusing on prevention and support.
Initiatives include training programs for educators, anti-bullying awareness campaigns, and resources for victims, aiming to foster a positive school climate.
13: Connecticut
Connecticut reports a bullying rate of 15.5% among high school students. The state has implemented stringent anti-bullying laws that require schools to establish prevention programs, conduct training for staff, and provide resources for victims.
Connecticut prioritizes awareness campaigns to encourage reporting and foster supportive environments.
14: Rhode Island
Rhode Island reports a bullying rate of 17.6% among high school students. The state has developed robust anti-bullying legislation mandating schools to implement comprehensive prevention programs,
conduct training for staff, and equip students with resources to combat bullying effectively.
15: Virginia
Virginia reports a bullying rate of 17.4% among high school students. The state has established anti-bullying laws requiring schools to implement prevention strategies, conduct training for staff, and provide resources for victims.
Virginia’s initiatives focus on fostering safe educational environments through student support programs and awareness campaigns.
16: Oklahoma
Oklahoma reports a bullying rate of 16.8% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws requiring schools to create prevention programs and conduct mandatory training for staff.
Oklahoma focuses on raising awareness and providing resources to support victims effectively.
17: Wisconsin
Wisconsin reports a bullying rate of 17.1% among high school students. The state has enacted robust anti-bullying laws requiring schools to develop comprehensive prevention programs,
conduct mandatory training for staff, and support students with resources to combat bullying effectively.
18: Idaho
Idaho reports a bullying rate of 16.9% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws mandating schools to establish prevention programs and train staff on handling bullying effectively.
Schools focus on raising awareness, creating supportive environments, and providing resources for students affected by bullying.
19: Florida
Florida reports a bullying rate of 19.0% among high school students. Florida’s anti-bullying laws mandate schools to implement comprehensive prevention programs, conduct training for staff, and provide resources for affected students.
The state actively promotes awareness campaigns to encourage reporting and foster safe school environments.
20: Ohio
Ohio reports a bullying rate of 18.3% among high school students. Ohio has enacted anti-bullying legislation requiring schools to implement prevention programs and train staff.
Ohio encourages students to report incidents through awareness campaigns, aiming to create safer educational environments.
21: Maryland
Maryland reports a bullying rate of 17.0% among high school students. The state has enacted comprehensive anti-bullying laws that require schools to implement prevention programs, conduct mandatory staff training, and offer resources for victims.
Maryland also promotes awareness campaigns to encourage students to report incidents and foster supportive environments.
22: Kansas
Kansas reports a bullying rate of 17.5% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws requiring schools to develop prevention programs, conduct staff training, and offer support resources.
Kansas focuses on creating safe environments through awareness initiatives, encouraging community involvement to combat bullying effectively.
23: Kentucky
Kentucky reports a bullying rate of 19.2% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws requiring schools to implement prevention programs and train staff on best practices.
Kentucky emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns to encourage student reporting and support programs to foster a safer educational environment.
24: Tennessee
Tennessee reports a bullying rate of 18.4% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws that mandate schools to establish prevention programs,
provide staff training, and offer resources to support victims, focusing on creating safer school environments.
25: Texas
Texas reports a bullying rate of 18.2% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws requiring schools to develop prevention programs and conduct staff training.
Texas emphasizes awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and providing resources to support those affected.
26: Iowa
Iowa reports a bullying rate of 18.6% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws mandating schools to create prevention programs and conduct staff training.
Iowa emphasizes awareness initiatives to support victims and encourage open reporting among students.
27: Illinois
Illinois reports a bullying rate of 18.8% among high school students. Schools in Illinois have adopted anti-bullying policies that mandate prevention programs, staff training, and student awareness initiatives.
The state emphasizes collaboration among educators, parents, and community members to foster a supportive environment.
28: Alabama
Alabama reports a bullying rate of 18.6% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws mandating schools to implement prevention programs and provide staff training.
Alabama emphasizes awareness initiatives that encourage student reporting and build resources for those affected.
29: New Hampshire
New Hampshire reports a bullying rate of 15.3% among high school students. The state has enacted effective anti-bullying legislation, mandating schools to implement prevention programs, train staff, and provide resources for victims.
New Hampshire emphasizes awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and fostering supportive educational environments.
30: New York
New York reports a bullying rate of 15.6% among high school students. The state has enacted comprehensive anti-bullying laws that mandate schools to develop prevention programs, conduct staff training, and provide resources for victims.
New York emphasizes awareness campaigns to encourage reporting and create a supportive environment for students.
31: Arizona
Arizona reports a bullying rate of 18.0% among high school students. The state has established anti-bullying laws requiring schools to implement prevention programs, conduct staff training, and offer resources for victims.
Arizona emphasizes the importance of awareness initiatives that encourage students to report incidents.
32: New Mexico
New Mexico reports a bullying rate of 18.0% among high school students. New Mexico has implemented anti-bullying laws requiring schools to develop prevention programs and offer staff training.
Schools emphasize awareness campaigns, involving parents and communities to create a supportive environment for students affected by bullying.
33: California
California reports a bullying rate of 19.0% among high school students. The state has enacted comprehensive anti-bullying laws mandating schools to implement awareness programs, train staff, and provide resources for victims.
California focuses on community involvement and inclusive practices to enhance student safety.
34: North Carolina
North Carolina reports a bullying rate of 18.1% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws that require schools to implement prevention programs and provide mandatory staff training.
North Carolina emphasizes awareness campaigns to encourage student reporting and support for those affected.
35: Michigan
Michigan reports a bullying rate of 19.0% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws requiring schools to implement prevention programs, conduct training for staff, and provide resources for victims.
Michigan emphasizes awareness initiatives that encourage students to report incidents and support their peers effectively.
36: Colorado
Colorado reports a bullying rate of 18.5% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws that mandate schools to create prevention programs and provide staff training.
Colorado emphasizes awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and access support resources.
37: Arkansas
Arkansas reports a bullying rate of 18.4% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws mandating schools to develop prevention programs and conduct staff training.
Arkansas emphasizes awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and providing support resources for victims.
38: West Virginia
West Virginia reports a bullying rate of 20.5% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws mandating schools to create prevention programs and provide staff training.
West Virginia emphasizes awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and fostering supportive resources for victims.
39: Mississippi
Mississippi reports a bullying rate of 19.8% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws requiring schools to develop prevention programs, provide staff training, and support resources for victims.
Mississippi emphasizes the importance of awareness campaigns to encourage student reporting and foster a safe educational environment.
40: Alaska
Alaska reports a bullying rate of 19.3% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws requiring schools to establish prevention programs and conduct staff training.
Alaska emphasizes community involvement in awareness initiatives, urging students to report incidents and seek available support resources.
41: Louisiana
Louisiana reports a bullying rate of 19.5% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws mandating schools to develop prevention programs and provide staff training.
Louisiana emphasizes awareness initiatives, encouraging students to report incidents and access support resources.
Schools focus on creating safe environments and fostering inclusivity through community engagement and student support programs.
42. Georgia
Georgia reports a bullying rate of 19.1% among high school students. The state has enacted anti-bullying laws requiring schools to implement prevention programs, conduct staff training, and provide resources for victims.
Georgia emphasizes awareness initiatives to encourage reporting and foster supportive educational environments.
43. Nevada
Nevada reports a bullying rate of 18.7% among high school students. The state has established anti-bullying policies mandating schools to develop prevention programs, offer staff training, and support affected students.
Nevada focuses on community involvement and awareness campaigns to create safer school climates.
44. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania reports a bullying rate of 18.9% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying legislation requiring schools to establish prevention strategies, provide staff training, and offer resources for victims.
Pennsylvania emphasizes the importance of awareness programs to encourage student reporting and support.
45. Minnesota
Minnesota reports a bullying rate of 17.2% among high school students. The state has enacted comprehensive anti-bullying laws mandating schools to implement prevention programs, conduct staff training, and provide resources for affected students.
Minnesota focuses on fostering inclusive environments through awareness initiatives.
46. Oregon
Oregon reports a bullying rate of 17.9% among high school students. The state has established anti-bullying policies requiring schools to develop prevention programs, offer staff training, and support victims.
Oregon emphasizes community engagement and awareness campaigns to create safer educational settings.
47. Washington
Washington reports a bullying rate of 18.3% among high school students. The state has implemented anti-bullying laws mandating schools to establish prevention strategies, provide staff training, and offer resources for victims.
Washington focuses on awareness programs to encourage reporting and foster supportive school environments.
48. Vermont
Vermont reports a bullying rate of 15.8% among high school students. The state has enacted comprehensive anti-bullying legislation requiring schools to implement prevention programs, conduct staff training, and support affected students.
Vermont emphasizes inclusivity and awareness initiatives to create safe educational spaces.
49. Wyoming
Wyoming reports a bullying rate of 16.7% among high school students. The state has established anti-bullying policies mandating schools to develop prevention programs, offer staff training, and provide resources for victims.
Wyoming focuses on community involvement and awareness campaigns to foster supportive school climates.
50. New Jersey
New Jersey reports a bullying rate of 16.4% among high school students. The state has implemented stringent anti-bullying laws requiring schools to establish prevention strategies, conduct staff training, and support affected students.
New Jersey emphasizes awareness programs and community engagement to create safer educational environments
Christian VanDerslice