Back to School Means Bullying Is Back
The Waterbury Times| August 26, 2026 9:45pm
Waterbury- As Waterbury students prepare to settle in to school over the next two weeks, families are focused on backpacks, bus routes, school supplies, and class schedules.
But there is another reality that returns every September:
Bullying.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 1 in 5 students reported being bullied at school during the 2021-22 school year. Among middle school students, the number was even higher, at 26%, compared to 16% of high school students.[ies.ed.gov], [pacer.org]
Those numbers matter because the start of a new school year creates new social circles, new friendships, and unfortunately, new opportunities for bullying.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said:
“When they go low, we go high.”
That lesson applies in the classroom just as much as it does anywhere else.
Bullying today is not limited to hallways and playgrounds. It follows students home through social media, text messages, and group chats. Among students who reported bullying, many also reported being bullied online. [ies.ed.gov]
The most common forms of bullying reported by students are:
- Spreading rumors
- Name-calling
- Social exclusion
- Online harassment [pacer.org]
Parents should know that bullying often goes unreported. National data shows that only about 44% of students who were bullied reported it to a trusted adult. [pacer.org]
That means many students suffer in silence.
For parents, the signs may include:
- Sudden reluctance to attend school
- Changes in mood
- Falling grades
- Withdrawal from friends
- Anxiety or depression
For teachers, the first month of school is critical. Classroom culture established in September often determines what students will tolerate for the rest of the year.
And for students, remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcomed when they walk through the school doors.
In a city like Waterbury, where students come from many different backgrounds and experiences, kindness is not just a personal value. It is a community responsibility.
How to Report and Stop Bullying
Bullying often continues because students are afraid to report it or believe nothing will change. The most effective way to stop bullying is to recognize it early, report it, and involve trusted adults before the situation escalates.
For Students
If you are being bullied:
- Tell a trusted adult immediately.
- Save text messages, screenshots, or social media posts.
- Avoid responding with threats or retaliation.
- Stay around friends and supportive classmates.
- Report incidents to a teacher, counselor, principal, or school resource officer.
Remember: Reporting bullying is not tattling. It is protecting yourself and others.
For Parents
If your child reports bullying:
- Listen without judgment.
- Take every concern seriously.
- Document dates, times, locations, and individuals involved.
- Contact the school and request a meeting if necessary.
- Follow up to ensure the situation is being addressed.
Parents should encourage children to speak up early rather than waiting until a problem becomes overwhelming.
For Teachers and School Staff
Educators play a critical role in bullying prevention.
- Intervene immediately when bullying is observed.
- Document incidents.
- Communicate with parents and administrators.
- Monitor areas where bullying commonly occurs.
- Foster a classroom culture of respect and inclusion.
Students are more likely to report bullying when they trust that adults will take action.
Signs Someone May Need Help
A student may be experiencing bullying if they:
- Avoid school or certain classes
- Frequently visit the nurse
- Suddenly lose interest in activities
- Experience declining grades
- Withdraw from friends
- Show signs of anxiety, anger, or depression
The Bottom Line
Bullying thrives in silence.
The sooner students, parents, teachers, and school leaders speak up, the sooner harmful behavior can be addressed.
If you see something, say something. If you experience something, report it. If someone trusts you enough to tell you, take them seriously.
Stopping bullying starts with one conversation, one report, and one person willing to stand up for another.
Bullying Prevention Resources & Hotlines
If a student is being bullied, threatened, harassed, or experiencing emotional distress, help is available.
🚨 Emergency Situations
If a student is in immediate danger, has been threatened with violence, or may harm themselves or others:
Call 911 immediately.
📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Students, parents, and educators can call or text:
988
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support is available for:
- Emotional distress
- Mental health crises
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety and depression
- Crisis support for families
📱 Crisis Text Line
Text:
CONNECT to 741741
Free, confidential crisis support available by text message 24/7.
Report Bullying at School
Students and parents should report bullying to:
- A Teacher
- School Counselor
- Assistant Principal
- Principal
- School Social Worker
- School Resource Officer (if assigned)
When reporting:
- Record dates and times.
- Save screenshots, messages, or photos.
- Identify witnesses if possible.
- Ask for follow-up from school administrators.
For Parents
If bullying is not being resolved:
- Document every incident.
- Keep copies of emails and communications.
- Request a meeting with school officials.
- Follow district reporting procedures.
- Continue monitoring your child’s well-being.
Remember
If you see bullying, report it.
If you’re experiencing bullying, tell a trusted adult.
If someone confides in you, take them seriously.
No student should feel unsafe going to school, and no parent should feel they have to navigate bullying alone.
“Silence protects bullying. Reporting it protects students.”
The Last Word
School supplies are important.
New clothes are important.
Good grades are important.
But none of those things matter if a child is afraid to walk into the building.
As Waterbury prepares for another school year, let’s make sure every student knows they belong, every teacher knows they have support, and every parent knows they have a voice.
Because the first lesson of every school year should be simple:
Respect costs nothing, but it can change someone’s life.
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