Bullying remains a pressing issue in schools across the United States, affecting students’ mental health and academic performance.
Recent data reveals alarming trends, with states like California, Alaska, and Louisiana leading the pack in bullying rates.
Approximately 20 percent of students aged 12 to 18 report experiencing bullying, whether in person or online, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions.
The disparities in bullying prevalence can often be linked to factors such as student-to-counselor ratios and the availability of mental health resources.
For instance, California’s high student-to-counselor ratio contributes to its status as the state with the worst on-campus bullying. In contrast, North Dakota stands out for its low rates of bullying-related truancy and suicide attempts.
This guide delves into the rankings of U.S. states based on their bullying rates, shedding light on the areas that require attention and action.
1: North Dakota
North Dakota ranks as the state with the lowest bullying rates. It boasts effective anti-bullying programs and strong community support.
Schools prioritize mental health resources, leading to decreased bullying incidents. Also, North Dakota’s favorable student-to-counselor ratio ensures better student support, promoting a positive school environment.
2: Delaware
Delaware ranks high in bullying rates, affecting students’ well-being. Schools in the state have implemented programs targeting prevention, including workshops and peer support initiatives. They also prioritize mental health resources, ensuring access to counselors for students in need.
3: Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks high in bullying rates, with about 18 percent of students reporting incidents. Schools have adopted comprehensive anti-bullying laws, including mandatory training for staff and awareness programs.
Mental health resources, including counseling and crisis intervention, are emphasized to support affected students.
4: Indiana
Indiana ranks high in bullying rates, with approximately 17 percent of students reporting being bullied. Schools in Indiana are implementing various strategies, such as enhanced anti-bullying policies, increased counselor availability, and peer mentorship programs to combat this issue.
5: Maine
Maine ranks fifth, with approximately 15 percent of students experiencing bullying. Schools in Maine have adopted proactive measures, including comprehensive anti-bullying policies and awareness campaigns that engage students, parents, and educators.
These initiatives foster a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health resources and promotes positive peer relationships.
6: Hawaii
Hawaii faces a challenging bullying rate, with about 16 percent of students reporting incidents. Schools are countering this by implementing community-building programs and conflict resolution training, which foster inclusivity and support.
7: South Carolina
South Carolina ranks high in bullying rates, with about 17 percent of students reporting incidents. Schools in South Carolina are focusing on implementing anti-bullying initiatives, including training for staff and student-led awareness campaigns.
The state emphasizes mentorship programs and enhanced mental health resources to create a more supportive school environment.
8: Montana
Montana has a bullying rate of about 14 percent, impacting student well-being. Schools are implementing strong anti-bullying policies, fostering peer support, and increasing mental health resources to create a safe learning environment.
9: South Dakota
South Dakota reports a bullying rate of about 14 percent among students. Schools in South Dakota are addressing this concern through the implementation of enhanced anti-bullying policies, increased mental health resources, and student-led initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive school community.
10: Missouri
Missouri has about 15 percent of students reporting bullying incidents. Schools in Missouri are adopting comprehensive anti-bullying programs, enhancing counselor training, and promoting peer mediation to create a safer environment.
11: Nebraska
Nebraska reports a bullying rate of approximately 14 percent among students. Schools in Nebraska focus on robust anti-bullying policies, and mental health initiatives, and engage students through awareness campaigns.
12: Utah
Utah has a bullying rate of about 15 percent among students. Schools in Utah are prioritizing anti-bullying measures by implementing comprehensive policies, enhancing mental health resources, and fostering community involvement through awareness programs.
13: Connecticut
Connecticut has a bullying rate of about 14 percent among students. Schools in Connecticut are emphasizing anti-bullying laws, enhancing mental health resources, and conducting awareness programs to improve student well-being.
14: Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks 46th in bullying prevalence, indicating a relatively low concern compared to other states. Approximately 20 percent of students aged 12 to 18 experience bullying in various forms, including both in-person and online harassment.
The state focuses on enhancing anti-bullying laws and resources in schools. Programs include peer support initiatives and mental health resources aimed at improving student well-being. Schools strive to create a safe environment through comprehensive policies and community involvement.
15: Virginia
Virginia has a bullying rate of about 14 percent among students. Schools in Virginia prioritize anti-bullying strategies, implementing policies that promote student safety.
They enhance mental health resources by increasing counselor availability and providing training for staff.
Also, Virginia schools focus on engaging students through awareness campaigns and peer support programs to foster a supportive learning environment.
16: Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a bullying rate of approximately 17 percent among students. Schools in Oklahoma are enhancing anti-bullying initiatives by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing awareness campaigns, and prioritizing mental health resources to support affected students.
17: Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a bullying rate of about 15 percent among students. Schools in Wisconsin are enhancing anti-bullying efforts by implementing comprehensive policies, prioritizing mental health resources, and fostering community engagement through awareness campaigns.
18: Idaho
Idaho ranks 18th in bullying rates, with about 15 percent of students experiencing bullying. Schools in Idaho are actively implementing anti-bullying programs, enhancing mental health resources, and fostering peer support initiatives to create a safer environment.
19: Florida
Florida ranks 19th in bullying rates, with approximately 16 percent of students reporting bullying incidents. Schools in Florida are implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, enhancing mental health resources, and fostering peer support programs to combat this issue effectively.
20: Ohio
Ohio reports a bullying rate of about 15 percent among students. Schools in Ohio are enhancing anti-bullying strategies by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and promoting awareness campaigns to foster a safe and supportive environment.
21: Maryland
Maryland has a bullying rate of about 15 percent among students. Schools in Maryland are enhancing anti-bullying measures by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing counselor availability, and promoting awareness campaigns to foster a supportive environment.
Also, they focus on peer support initiatives and mental health resources to ensure student well-being.
22: Kansas
Kansas has a bullying rate of around 15 percent among students. Schools in Kansas are taking steps to enhance anti-bullying efforts by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and developing peer support programs to create safer learning environments.
23: Kentucky
Kentucky ranks 23rd in bullying rates, with about 16 percent of students experiencing bullying. Schools in Kentucky are enhancing anti-bullying policies, increasing mental health resources, and implementing peer support programs to foster a safer environment.
24: Tennessee
Tennessee has a bullying rate of approximately 15 percent among students. Schools in Tennessee are enhancing anti-bullying initiatives by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and promoting peer support programs.
25: Texas
Texas ranks high in bullying rates, with about 16 percent of students reporting incidents. Schools in Texas focus on enhancing anti-bullying policies, providing mental health resources, and implementing peer mentorship programs to support affected students.
26: Iowa
Iowa has a bullying rate of about 15 percent among students. Schools in Iowa are actively promoting anti-bullying initiatives, enhancing mental health resources, and fostering peer mentorship programs to create safer learning environments.
27: Illinois
Illinois has a bullying rate of about 17 percent among students. Schools in Illinois are enhancing anti-bullying measures through comprehensive policies, increased counselor availability, and student-led initiatives to promote a supportive environment.
28: Alabama
Alabama has a bullying rate of approximately 17 percent among students. Schools in Alabama are enhancing anti-bullying initiatives by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and fostering student engagement through peer support programs.
29: New Hampshire
New Hampshire shows a bullying rate of about 14 percent among students. Schools in New Hampshire are prioritizing anti-bullying strategies by implementing strong policies, enhancing counselor availability, and promoting mental health resources.
They’ve also initiated peer support programs to create a more inclusive environment that encourages student engagement and safety.
30: New York
New York has a bullying rate of approximately 15 percent among students. Schools in New York are implementing robust anti-bullying programs, increasing mental health resources, and facilitating peer mentorship initiatives to create supportive environments.
31: Arizona
Arizona has a bullying rate of about 16 percent among students. Schools in Arizona are addressing this issue by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, enhancing mental health resources, and promoting peer support programs to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
32: New Mexico
New Mexico has a bullying rate of about 16 percent among students. Schools in New Mexico are enhancing anti-bullying initiatives by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and promoting peer support programs to build a safer school environment.
33: California
California has a bullying rate of approximately 17 percent among students. Schools in California are taking steps to combat bullying by increasing mental health resources, enhancing anti-bullying policies, and implementing student-led awareness campaigns.
These initiatives aim to create safer and more supportive learning environments across the state.
34: North Carolina
North Carolina faces significant bullying issues, with about 15 percent of students reporting incidents. Schools in North Carolina are enhancing anti-bullying measures by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing counselor availability, and offering peer support programs.
35: Michigan
Michigan has a bullying rate of approximately 15 percent among students. Schools in Michigan are enhancing anti-bullying efforts through comprehensive policies, increased mental health resources, and peer support programs focused on fostering a safe learning environment.
36: Colorado
Colorado has a bullying rate of approximately 14 percent among students. Schools in Colorado are focusing on enhancing anti-bullying programs, increasing mental health resources, and promoting peer mediation initiatives to foster a supportive environment.
37: Arkansas
Arkansas has a bullying rate of approximately 17 percent among students. Schools in Arkansas are working to combat bullying by implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, increasing access to mental health resources, and facilitating peer support programs.
38: West Virginia
West Virginia has a bullying rate of approximately 17 percent among students. Schools in West Virginia are enhancing anti-bullying measures by implementing comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and promoting peer support programs to foster safe environments.
39: Mississippi
Mississippi has a bullying rate of around 16 percent among students. Schools in Mississippi are actively addressing this issue by implementing stronger anti-bullying policies, enhancing mental health resources, and promoting peer support initiatives to foster a safer environment.
40: Alaska
Alaska has a bullying rate of approximately 17 percent among students. Schools in Alaska are actively implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies, increasing mental health resources, and fostering peer mentorship programs to enhance student safety and well-being.
41: Louisiana
Louisiana has a bullying rate of around 17 percent among students. Schools in Louisiana are enhancing anti-bullying efforts through comprehensive policies, increasing mental health resources, and fostering student engagement via peer support programs.
Alicia Richards