An estimated 20% of students between 12-18 years old in the U.S. have been bullied and that number increases if you look at social media, where 53% have been cyberbullied. Getting singled out and ridiculed can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression in kids. Imagine waking up every day and knowing you are going to be the focus of unrelenting torment from a classmate or teammate or kid in the neighborhood. And when it’s your child who is the victim it’s heart-breaking and infuriating. In fact, 74% of parents worry their children might be bullied at some point, according to Pew Research. For many, it’s their top worry.
Let’s get something out of the way for the crowd who says our kids need to toughen up and stop being so sensitive. This isn’t about buddies good-naturedly teasing each other or a child still learning how to accept constructive criticism. According to stopbullying.gov, “Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.” There is no place for it anywhere, including on our fields and in our gyms.
As we head into National Bullying Prevention Month in October, Pop Warner has launched a public service campaign about what we think is the best antidote to bullying: being a leader. We want our kids to set the example of doing what’s right, standing up for others, and making sure we all work together, whether it’s on a team, in a classroom or in the community. The spot includes football players and cheerleaders from Elmhurst (IL) Bears, Auburn University, University of Kentucky and Duke University. You can check it out here.
In youth sports, where children are still developing emotionally and socially, the impact of bullying can be especially harmful. When teammates, coaches, and leaders take a stand against bullying, they create a safe environment that fosters self-confidence and belonging. This is critical in team settings, as a sense of inclusion allows every member to contribute fully without fear of judgment or ridicule, making the team stronger as a whole.
Teaching children to stand up for one another develops important life skills like empathy, resilience, and leadership. In a team, individuals often face adversity, and how they respond can set the tone for how the entire group will handle challenges. When players advocate for their teammates, they not only shield others from harm but also learn how to navigate difficult situations with integrity and courage. These experiences can help children become more compassionate leaders both in a way that transcends sports.
We each have the ability to stamp out bullying. I’m reminded of the story of David Johnson, the former Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl running back who himself was bullied as a kid and made it his mission to speak out against it as he became a star in college and the NFL.
“Regardless of who you are or what you do for a living, you have the ability to make a difference by simply showing that you care — by providing empathy and support to kids who sometimes feel as though the entire world is against them,” Johnson wrote in this Players’ Tribune article.
He did what we know our own athletes can do – Lead the way and take a stand.
Thanks!
Jon Butler
Executive Director