Teasing and bullying issues have been brought to the forefront by incidents like Columbine. What or who were the fundamental building blocks that brought these innocent children to the point of taking the lives of others and themselves. Research shows that the problems for many of these children began in elementary school because of teasing and bullying!! Studies have shown that the affects of teasing and bullying can be long term and sometimes life altering, and it is occurring at epidemic proportions! Teasing and bullying can lead to poor academic performance, poor peer relationships, poor self-esteem and negative role development. As a result of this epidemic, many school districts have implemented anti-bullying programs.

• An estimated 160,000 US students miss school each day due to fear of attack or intimidation from peers.
  (National Education Association, 1995)
• Stresses of “victimization,” can interfere with student’s engagement and learning in schools.
  (NEA Today,1999)
• Sixty-six percent of youth are teased at least once a month, and nearly one-third of youth are bullied at least once a month.
  (2002 National Survey of Students Grades 5-12, Families and Work Institute)
• Teenagers say revenge is the strongest motivation for school shootings.
• 87% said shootings are motivated by a desire to “get back at those who have hurt them.
• 86% said, “other kids picking on them, making fun of them,” causes teenagers to turn to lethal violence in the schools.
  (Alfred University Study)

The ability to establish awareness and understanding of the effects of teasing at an earlier age is of paramount importance.