Students who are bullied are more likely to miss school, get lower grades, and eventually drop out. This guide explains what bullying and school dropout mean, how schools measure them, why the two are linked, and what teachers and school leaders can do to prevent both. It is written for teachers, guidance staff, school heads, and parents.
On this page 6 sections
What bullying is
Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that is done on purpose and involves an imbalance of power between the people involved. It can take several forms:
- Physical: hitting, pushing, or other harm to the body or belongings
- Verbal: name-calling, teasing, or threats
- Relational: leaving someone out, spreading rumors, or damaging friendships
- Cyberbullying: bullying through phones, social media, or other online spaces
The effects can be serious and long-lasting. They include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and thoughts of suicide.
How schools measure bullying
Knowing how common bullying is, and how much harm it causes, helps a school see where to improve and plan the right response. The most common tools are:
- Self-report surveys, where students answer questions about their own experiences
- Peer nomination surveys, where students name classmates who bully or are bullied
- Teacher reports
- Observation of students in class, in hallways, and on the playground
Each method has limits and possible biases. Using several sources together gives a fuller and more reliable picture of bullying in a school.
What school dropout is
School dropout means a student leaves school before finishing, without earning a high school diploma or an equivalent credential. Dropout rates differ widely from school to school and from region to region.
Dropping out affects the learner for years. It raises the risk of unemployment, poverty, health problems, and involvement in crime. The costs also reach families, communities, and society through lost earnings, taxes, and productivity.
How schools measure dropout
Schools track how many students, and what percentage, leave before graduation. They also look at the reasons students give and at who is leaving, such as age, sex, or background. This is harder than it sounds, because data collection methods, definitions, and criteria differ from place to place, and a common standard is needed.
How bullying and dropout are connected
Many studies have found a strong link between bullying and dropping out. Students who experience bullying are more likely to leave school or fail to finish high school. One long-term study of nearly 4,000 students reported that students frequently involved in bullying were 1.5 times more likely to drop out than students who had not experienced it.
The reasons are complex, but two are often pointed out:
- Lower engagement and achievement. Bullying makes it harder for students to focus and do well. They become frustrated and feel disconnected from school, which leads to absences, poor grades, and, in time, dropping out.
- An unsafe school climate. Bullying makes a school feel hostile. Students become fearful, anxious, and isolated, and teachers struggle to keep order. In this setting, students lose motivation and interest in school, and the risk of dropping out grows.
What teachers and schools can do
Because the two problems are linked, schools get the best results when they deal with both together. These practices have shown promise in reducing bullying and dropout:
- School-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) that build a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion
- Social and emotional learning (SEL) that strengthens students’ self-awareness, social skills, and decision-making
- Training for teachers and staff on spotting and responding to bullying and on supporting both the students who are bullied and those who bully
- Partnerships with families, communities, and mental health professionals to address the root causes of bullying and dropout
- Individual dropout prevention plans for at-risk students that involve several people, such as advisers, guidance staff, and parents
None of these works if only one person carries it. It takes the whole school community, from school heads to teachers, parents, and the students themselves.
Quick guide by role
| Who | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Teachers | Watch for signs of bullying, respond early, and follow up with students who start missing class or falling behind. |
| School heads | Lead school-wide programs such as PBIS and SEL, train staff, and build ties with families and mental health professionals. |
| Parents | Work with the school, share concerns about your child’s safety or attendance, and support plans made for your child. |
The bottom line
Bullying and dropping out are closely linked, and both do lasting harm to learners and their communities. When schools act early, use proven practices, and build a culture of respect, safety, and inclusion, they can reduce both and give every learner a better chance to finish school.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power. It can be physical, verbal, relational (such as exclusion or rumors), or online, which is called cyberbullying.
Why are bullied students more likely to drop out?
Bullying lowers students’ engagement and grades, which can lead to frustration, absences, and dropping out. It also makes the school feel unsafe, so students lose motivation and interest in attending.
How can a school find out how much bullying is happening?
Schools commonly use self-report surveys, peer nomination surveys, teacher reports, and direct observation. Because each method has limits, using several of them together gives a more complete picture.
What can schools do to prevent bullying and dropout?
Practices that have shown promise include school-wide positive behavior supports (PBIS), social and emotional learning, staff training on bullying, partnerships with families and mental health professionals, and individual dropout prevention plans for at-risk students.
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