Beyond the Hashtags: What Are Schools and Lawmakers Doing To Stop Bullying?

By: Zohaib Qureishi | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Bullying is a widespread issue in schools, affecting more than one in five students in the United States. Despite anti-bullying policies, many students continue to face physical, emotional, and online harassment from their peers. So, the big question is: are schools and lawmakers doing enough to prevent it?

Bullying can have lifelong consequences, impacting a student’s mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. And with social media in the mix, bullying doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. Schools have established zero-tolerance policies, and state governments have passed laws to tackle bullying, but the problem still persists. What’s missing?

Are Schools Enforcing Anti-Bullying Rules?

School-wide policies are only beneficial if they are consistently enforced. However, many students feel that their schools don’t do enough to intervene when bullying happens.

Some of the biggest problems include:

• No Repercussions: Some bullies face harsh consequences, while others get away with bad behavior.
• Lack of Support: Students are often told to "just ignore" the bully’s behavior or comments instead of getting the support they need.
• Under-reporting: Many students don’t report bullying because they fear retaliation or believe nothing will change.

What Schools Can Do

Teachers are usually the first to witness bullying, but many are unprepared to properly intervene. To address this issue, it is imperative that educators and school administrators implement the following strategies:

• Train teachers and staff to de-escalate bullying situations and provide support to victims of bullying.
• Implement anonymous reporting options so students feel safe speaking up.
• Foster a culture of trust where students know their concerns will be taken seriously.
• Launch digital literacy programs that teach students how to navigate social media safely.

How Effective Is Anti-Bullying Legislation?

Every U.S. state has anti-bullying laws, but the problem hasn’t gone away. Why? The issue isn’t just about having laws—it’s about how they’re enforced.

• Inconsistency: Anti-bullying laws vary by state. Some states have strict policies, while others are more lenient.
• No Penalties: Schools that ignore or fail to properly address bullying often face little to no repercussions.
• Cyberbullying Gaps: Many laws do not fully address online bullying, leaving victims of cyberbullying vulnerable.

What Lawmakers Can Do

In order to take effective action against bullying in schools, lawmakers need to:

• Hold schools accountable when they fail to act on bullying reports.
• Strengthen laws to include cyberbullying protections.
• Invest in mental health resources so students have access to professional support.

How Does Social Media Impact Bullying?

Cyberbullying has skyrocketed with the rise of social media. Anonymity, as well as the ability to create fake profiles to impersonate others, makes it easy for bullies to attack others without facing real consequences for their actions. 

What Social Media Companies Can Do

Schools and lawmakers often struggle to address the issue of online bullying because it happens outside the classroom. In order to foster safe and inclusive online spaces, social media platforms should consider adopting the following practices: 

• Implement AI-powered systems to detect online abuse and remove harmful content.
• Establish a user-friendly reporting system so victims can get help quickly.
• Publish community guidelines and tips (for example, Instagram’s Safety Tips) to educate users on responsible digital behavior and online safety.

Join the Movement Against Bullying

Bullying won’t stop unless we all take action. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, don’t stay silent. Push for better policies, stronger enforcement, and smarter digital tools to create a safer environment for everyone.

For more guidance on preventing bullying in schools, download Digital4Good’s free Social Media Emergency Plan for school leaders, counselors, and resource officers. This interactive digital guidebook will empower you with the tools to confidently handle cyberbullying and other harmful online behaviors, ensuring the safety and well-being of your students and staff.

Together, we can create a world where every student feels safe—both in school and online.