Summit Illuminates Immigrant Student Bullying

Last week’s Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit [2] in Washington, D.C., shone light on an often overlooked group—immigrant students.

Khin Mai Aung, director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund’s Educational Equity and Youth Rights Project [3], discussed why students from some demographics are targeted more than others. Bias-based harassment, she explained, targets a person’s innate characteristics—such as race, immigration status, religion or sexual orientation—and is driven by prejudice and opportunity.

Immigrant students are particularly susceptible to this type of bullying because their ability to protect themselves is often hampered by limited English proficiency, lack of knowledge about school policies or—in the case of students of undocumented immigrant families—fear of revealing their legal status. 

By being mindful of student populations that may be particularly vulnerable, educators can help create an environment that stops bullying before it starts. Teaching Tolerance has resources to help you educate yourself about warning signs [4] and to intervene appropriately [5] when bullying occurs.

The summit moved beyond discussions of immigrant students to address broader issues such as increasing the efficiency and efficacy [6] of bullying prevention efforts. Dr. Deborah Temkin of the Department of Education said a key theme throughout the event was to make sure that organizations and individuals worked together to engage youth rather than reinvent the wheel.

Speakers also emphasized the importance of avoiding zero-tolerance [7] anti-bullying policies that can make things worse, and they explored intricate factors that, combined with bullying, contribute to youth suicide.

The information presented to summit attendees by adult experts was invaluable, but organizers recognized the necessity of including student viewpoints as well. More than 30 youth leaders added their perspectives to discussions during the two-day event.

To further highlight the essential role students play in the creation of bullying-free school environments, the Federal Partners for Bullying Prevention kicked off the Stop Bullying Video Challenge [8] during the summit. Middle and high school students ages 13 through 18 are invited to submit a 30- to 60-second video that will “inform and motivate youth to prevent bullying.” Videos must be submitted by October 14.

The take home message of the summit? Every single one of us—whether student, parent, educator or community member—needs to actively oppose bullying. Only by coming together can we build educational environments that are safe and supportive for all students.

As GLSEN’s Robert McGarry told U.S. News [9]—“One supportive adult can save a life. Six or more can change a culture.”