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U.S. study finds bullying pervasive

By all accounts, bullying is pervasive in U.S. schools. A 2007 national survey of Department of Justice statistics reported that 32 percent of students ages 12 to 18 had been bullied during the school year.

By all accounts, bullying is pervasive in U.S. schools.

A 2007 national survey of Department of Justice statistics reported that 32 percent of students ages 12 to 18 had been bullied during the school year.

More bullying takes place in the lower grades, with about one in four third graders victimized; by 12th grade, that rate is cut by at least half, according to Olweus Bullying Prevention Program surveys.

Cyber-bullying deserves special attention, experts say, because it can be exceptionally vicious.

A 2009 New Jersey Education Department survey indicated that 17 percent of high school students had been bullied during the previous 12 months through e-mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites, or text messaging.

Bullies made up about 10 percent of all students surveyed by Olweus programs, with boys outnumbering girls. Three or 4 percent of students were both bullied and bullied others.

In a Pennsylvania Center for Safe Schools study of frequently bullied students, 13 percent reported being bullied at least once a week over several months.

In New Jersey, when students were asked if they had been bullied on school property within the last school year, 21 percent said yes. - Dan Hardy