Middle school is a time of major change for students. As they grow and try to understand themselves, many face emotional challenges. One of the biggest issues affecting their mental health is bullying.
Across the country, a large number of middle school students report being bullied at school. This includes being teased, excluded, pushed around, or targeted online. Cyberbullying has become more common in recent years, with students facing harmful messages and rumors on social media.
Being bullied often leads to serious mental health struggles. Students may start to feel anxious, sad, or hopeless. Some begin to avoid school, have trouble sleeping, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. These changes can affect their grades, friendships, and overall well-being.
Schools are starting to take more steps to protect students and support their mental health. Many now offer programs that teach kindness, respect, and how to safely speak up. Some schools provide group discussions where students can talk about their feelings in a safe space. Others have added more counselors or trained staff to watch for signs that a student may be struggling.
While schools focus on prevention, personal reflection also plays a powerful role in creating a safe and respectful environment. “It takes real strength to look within and ask yourself if you’re treating others the way you’d want to be treated. But, if you’re constantly hurting someone around you, then it is necessary,” says Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength. “True kindness isn’t just about not being mean—it’s about making sure your words and actions build people up, not tear them down.”
Experts say that helping students understand the impact of their behavior can lead to more empathy and fewer incidents of bullying. Social-emotional learning programs and peer mentoring are two approaches that many schools are using to promote more positive interactions. These programs also give students tools to manage their emotions and resolve conflict in healthy ways.
What Parents and Guardians Can Do
Families play a key role. Paying attention to changes in behavior, such as mood swings, a desire to be alone, or suddenly avoiding school, can help adults step in early. Simple conversations at home can make a big difference in helping students feel supported.
To support their children, parents and guardians can:
- Check in regularly with open-ended questions like “How are things going at school?” or “Have you had any tough days lately?”
- Keep an eye on social media use and gently guide children toward safe, respectful online behavior.
- Encourage hobbies and friendships that build confidence and reduce isolation.
- Help children practice how to respond to bullying calmly and assertively.
- Contact the school if bullying is suspected and ask about available support services.
In addition, parents can model healthy communication at home. When children see adults solving problems calmly and showing respect to others, they are more likely to do the same in their own lives.
How Teachers and Educators Can Help
Teachers and school staff are often the first adults to notice when a student is struggling. Educators can help by:
- Creating a classroom environment that values respect, inclusion, and empathy.
- Using group activities to help students build healthy relationships.
- Checking in with quiet or withdrawn students to offer support privately.
- Encouraging students to report bullying, even if they are bystanders.
- Working closely with counselors and families to follow up on concerns.
Schools can also host parent nights or workshops on bullying prevention and mental health awareness. This helps build stronger partnerships between home and school and ensures students receive consistent support from all the adults in their lives.
Looking Ahead
The connection between bullying and mental health is becoming clearer. As more attention is given to this issue, schools and families are finding better ways to help. With ongoing support, open communication, and a shared effort to create safer environments, students can feel more confident during the important middle school years. Building a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect is not just a school goal, it is a community-wide effort.
