Bullying and COVID-19: What Educators Can Do

It goes without saying that the effects of the pandemic on our students have been substantial, but increased bullying was not one effect we anticipated. Many schools have returned to in-person learning, and with that students have returned to navigating social lives. Bullying has found itself in schools for years, but bullying related to COVID-19 is an epidemic of its own. Bullying for reasons related to COVID-19 is now known as “COVID Shaming”. 

Bullying is defined as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance”. Bullying is often hidden and can be hard for teachers to counteract in their classrooms. Different types of bullying include verbal bullying, physical bullying, and social bullying. About 1 in 5 students ages 12-18 will be bullied during their time in school, and about 15% of those students will be cyberbullied. 

The effects of this virus for students affect more than just the physical. The pandemic has provided more than a few reasons for students to bully other students. “COVID Shaming” in schools includes reasons such as:

• Racism toward Asian students
• Little empathy for students with increased anxiety for their wellbeing
• Blame for virus exposure or spread
• The decision to get/not get the COVID-19 vaccine for students 

A potential cause for COVID Shaming in schools stems from students being very susceptible to misinformation online as well as mob mentality. Misinformation about COVID-19 has been raging for the past year and has even been referred to as an “infodemic”. Students spend much of their time on social media with little skill to assess high-quality information, putting them at risk for believing fake news and theories. Algorithms used in social media also provide content to users that other users with similar demographics liked, creating opinion polarization. Other causes include low self-esteem, social status, control, and lack of emotional support. 

Warning signs that a student is being bullied in your classroom include: 

• Increased aggression
• Having unexplained physical wounds (bruises, cuts)
• Having damaged belongings or clothes
• Falling grades
• Avoiding social situations
• Change in their willingness to speak in class

The COVID-19 virus isn’t going away any time soon, so change must be made in our classrooms regarding new COVID Shaming, and we believe schools are the key to ending pandemic-related bullying. Here’s what educators can do to address and prevent COVID Shaming in their hallways: 

1. Educate. Educate students about the harm bullying can cause for the bullied individual, the bullier, and the bystander. We encourage schools to host assemblies regarding bullying in their school to address this problem thoroughly. Mobile Ed Productions, Inc. has several programs for schools informing students how to handle bullies. 
2. Invite. Make your students aware that you are their supporter and that they can discuss problems in your classroom freely with you. Make this reminder consistent throughout the school year with verbal reminders and your actions. Your actions will prove to your students that you are someone they can trust. 
3. Address. Address bullying of any form when it is brought to an educator’s attention. Bullying has powerful effects on the lives of students and should be handled immediately and seriously.
4. Teach. If applicable, teach your students about proper research methods and how to decipher reliable sources online and on social media. PBS provides a lesson plan on teaching students about fake news. 
5. Communicate. Communicate with students and parents about what is going on in your classroom. Encourage parents and caregivers to address misinformation and stigma around COVID-19 at home. 
6. Empower. Empower students to make decisions that are right for themselves, whether that includes wearing a mask, getting vaccinated, or refusing to be a bystander. 

Mobile Ed Productions, Inc. has been providing schools with education about bullying for many years. We understand deeply the harmful effects that bullying can have on our youth, and we are adamant about getting high-quality programs about bullying into schools that students will remember. Our team has developed several programs designed to address bullying and encourage character development in students. 

Explore our different program options on our website. If there is a program about bullying you need in your classroom, give us a call at 800-433-7459 or email us at info@mobileedproductions.com. Our team is ready to help.