A new study published in the journal Exceptional Children is showing that bullying is a real problem for disabled children—more so than any other students. The study also shows that the bullying problem extends throughout the school years of disabled children.
Survey data taken from students in a New England school district showed that children with disabilities—including learning disabilities such as ADHD—were approximately 20 percent more likely to report being bullied when compared with students who had no learning disabilities. This difference in reported bullying remained consistent from grades three through 12.
The latest study, performed by Chad Rose (assistant professor of special education from the University of Missouri College of Eduation) and Nicholas Gage (assistant professor at University of Florida College of Education) involved the analysis of surveys from more than 6,500 students from all grades during the years 2011 to 2013. “Bullying” was characterized in the surveys as being hit or threatened, or having feelings hurt or rumors spread.
Co-author Rose indicated that students with disabilities often do not have the skills to appropriately respond to bullying, which further widens the gap. Students with disabilities may also be targeted because they often look or act differently than their peers, and can be especially vulnerable to hurt feelings if they have trouble understanding both verbal and non-verbal cues.
The study’s authors emphasize that schools should be teaching skills for dealing with bullying to all students, and parents should be asking direct questions to find out what is going on at school.
New Study Shows Disabled Children More Likely to Be Bullied
Posted On: 12-30-2016
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