Bullying In College Campuses

Bullying is a longtime problem that has troubled almost all K-12 schools. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and no child is fully protected from it. However, the common notion accepted in society is that as children mature, bullying tends to disappear. This unfortunately is incorrect; bullying is still prevalent on many university campuses. Factors like drugs and alcohol, wanting to fit in, and social media sites that are prevalent on many college campuses often exacerbate this issue. Yet many universities continue turn a blind eye to the issue. While some universities have made steps to combat bullying, majority of universities avoid the issue, even though researchers at the Yale School of Medicine “have found signs of an apparent connection …show more content…
Students are faced with peer-pressure to use drugs and alcohol in various settings on campuses, and refusal to do so can often led to bullying or harassment. “In an college environment, it is essential for students to be associated with the in-group in order to be socially accepted. Out-groups, such as freshman students and non-drinkers, may lack the social support needed during this transitional period because they are not fitting in with the majority of their peers … Furthermore, vulnerable college groups [e.g., freshman and non-drinkers] will give into peer pressure in hopes to be socially accepted and have a successful transition to college.” (Palmeri). Party elements like drugs and alcohol, as well as a student’s desire to fit in, often leads to peer pressure to engage in risky behavior and students usually do not think about the consequences that these actions may …show more content…
However, many universities do not have an anti-bullying policy in their handbook, or have a lack of resources in their counseling centers. This leads to students not knowing where to go for help, and those that do go ask for help often do not find the help that they need. An article from the University of Maryland’s newspaper, the Diamondback, reports how long wait times for counseling often deter students from going to ask for help. Counseling Center Director Sharon Kirkland says how securing a follow-up appointment can take anywhere from a week to a month. (Tincher, 2012). “Long wait times are caused directly from the small staff at the Counseling Center,” Kirkland states. While the center “has seen a 12% increase in students seeking services from last year, they have no additional staff members to account for the extra services.” (Tincher,