International Students In America: Victims Of Bullying?

Bullying is a serious issue in schools worldwide, and it is no different in the United States, where more than 20% of students report being bullied during the school year. While bullying can take many forms, international students are often targeted because of their perceived ethnic and cultural differences, language barriers, and their lack of power compared to their peers. This type of bullying, known as bias-based or identity-based bullying, can have severe short- and long-term effects on the victims, including negative physiological and psychological consequences. In the US, immigrant youth are more likely to experience bullying than native-born youth, and the impact of this victimization can lead to various interpersonal, socio-emotional, health, and substance use problems.

International students in America are more likely to be bullied

Research has shown that immigrant youth in the United States are more likely to experience bullying victimization than native-born youth. This is due, in part, to their perceived ethnic and racial differences and the subsequent power imbalance that exists between them and their peers. Language and cultural norms also play a role, with international students being ostracized for their differing appearances, language abilities, and cultural practices.

A 2015 research study in New York found that among refugee adolescents, the most common forms of bullying were based on race, language and accent, clothing, and religion. This type of bias-based or discriminatory bullying can have severe negative effects on the mental health and well-being of international students, leading to problems with substance use, negative body image, and dissatisfaction with life.

To address this issue, schools, resettlement agencies, and other organizations must work to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for international students. This includes educating students and their families about their right to a safe education and the importance of reporting any incidents of bullying. By tackling negative perceptions and prejudice at the societal and local levels, we can create a more welcoming environment for international students and reduce the prevalence of bullying.

The negative effects of bullying on international students

International students in America often face bullying and discrimination due to their perceived ethnic and cultural differences, language barriers, and societal prejudices. This victimization has severe negative effects on their overall well-being and academic performance, leaving long-lasting scars.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

Bullying creates an environment of fear and insecurity, leading to various psychological and emotional issues. International students who experience bullying may develop anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may become withdrawn, lose confidence, and suffer from low self-esteem. The constant stress and humiliation can impact their ability to cope with everyday life, affecting their overall mental health and well-being.

Academic Performance and Attendance

Bullying also takes a toll on the academic achievements of international students. Research shows that repeated acts of peer aggression negatively impact academic motivation and performance. Relational bullying, such as ostracism, verbal attacks, and spreading rumors, can be particularly detrimental, hindering their ability to engage effectively with peers in group-oriented classroom activities. This can lead to lower grades and even cause victims to avoid school altogether due to feelings of insecurity and a lack of connection, further exacerbating their academic challenges.

Health and Substance Abuse Problems

Bullied international students are more likely to experience health issues and substance abuse problems. The stress and trauma of bullying can manifest physically, leading to various ailments. Additionally, victims may turn to substances like drugs, alcohol, or tobacco as a coping mechanism, which can have long-term detrimental effects on their health and future prospects.

Social Isolation and Loss of Opportunities

Bullying often results in social isolation, with victims feeling excluded and ostracized by their peers. This can lead to a lack of social support and a sense of loneliness, impacting their overall quality of life. Additionally, international students may miss out on extracurricular activities, social events, and friendship opportunities due to their avoidance of social situations, further limiting their chances for personal growth and development.

Cultural Adjustment and Adaptation

International students already face the challenge of adjusting to a new culture and environment. Bullying can exacerbate this challenge by creating a sense of alienation and making it harder for them to adapt. They may struggle to understand cultural norms and feel a sense of belonging, impacting their overall experience in their host country.

The types of bullying international students face

International students in America face a range of bullying experiences, often stemming from their perceived ethnic and cultural differences. Here are some common types of bullying experienced by international students:

Racial and Ethnic Bullying:

International students are frequently targeted based on their race, ethnicity, and cultural identity. This form of bullying includes direct aggression, such as racial slurs and derogatory comments about their cultural practices, language, clothing, and customs. It also involves indirect aggression, such as social exclusion due to ethnic or racial differences. A 2015 research study in New York found that among refugee adolescents, the most common forms of bullying were based on race, language, accent, clothing, and religion.

Institutional Bullying:

Sometimes, the school system itself contributes to the bullying of international students. This occurs when bullying is perpetuated, reinforced, or normalized by those in positions of power within the school, such as teachers or administrators. For example, a study by Guo et al. in 2019 found that Syrian refugee students reported feeling a lack of support from their teachers and experienced unfair treatment.

Cyberbullying:

With the rise of technology, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue for international students. This involves bullying through electronic means, such as online or via text messages. According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, among students aged 12-18 who reported being bullied during school, 21.6% experienced cyberbullying.

Relational Bullying:

International students may also face relational bullying, which includes ostracism, verbal attacks, and the spreading of rumors. This type of bullying can have a significant impact on the academic motivation and engagement of students. Research by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2021 suggests that relational bullying has a greater effect on student academic performance than physical bullying.

Bias-based Bullying:

Students with disabilities, as well as those with LGBTQ+ identities, are at a higher risk of being bullied. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 44.4% of teenagers with developmental disabilities experienced bullying, compared to 31.3% of teenagers without disabilities. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that LGBQ and transgender or gender-diverse students have higher levels of emotional distress due to bias-based bullying.

The causes of bullying against international students

International students in America are more likely to be bullied than native-born students. This is due to a variety of factors, including:

Ethnicity and Race:

Immigrant students are often targeted because of their perceived ethnic and racial differences compared to the mainstream American culture. This type of bullying includes direct forms of aggression, such as racial slurs and taunts, derogatory references to cultural practices, and indirect forms of aggression, such as social exclusion due to ethnic or racial differences. The two major groups facing this type of bullying are Hispanic and Asian students, who are treated differently due to prevalent stereotypes.

Language and Cultural Norms:

Differences in language and cultural norms compared to the American mainstream can make international students stand out and become targets for bullying. This includes their English-speaking abilities, accents, clothing, and customs, which can be used to ostracize and make fun of them.

Institutional Bullying:

Sometimes, the school system itself contributes to the bullying of international students. This can occur when those in positions of power, such as teachers, discriminate against or fail to support international students adequately. Negative societal perceptions and prejudices about immigrants can influence the school environment, normalizing and reinforcing bullying behaviors.

Academic Performance:

Immigrant students may experience lower academic performance due to the lack of appropriate care and support in schools. This can make them appear vulnerable and become targets for bullying. Additionally, bullying itself can further negatively impact their academic achievement, creating a cycle that exacerbates the problem.

To address these issues, schools need to implement strategies that proactively address bullying, reduce discrimination, and provide culturally safe and inclusive environments for international students.

How to prevent and tackle bullying against international students

International students in America are more likely to experience bullying than native-born students. This is often due to their perceived ethnic and racial differences, as well as their lack of power in comparison to their peers, caused by differing appearances, languages, and cultural norms.

To prevent and tackle bullying against international students, the following actions can be taken:

Preventative measures:

• Schools should foster an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment: This includes addressing negative perceptions and prejudices at the societal and local levels, as well as dispelling negative preconceptions about international students.
• Raise awareness about bullying and its negative consequences: Educate students, staff, and the wider community about the various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying. Emphasize that bullying is never acceptable and that everyone has a role in creating a safe and supportive school environment.
• Promote cultural diversity and empathy: Encourage students to embrace and celebrate their cultural differences, fostering an understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds.

Responsive measures:

• Swift action and restorative justice: When bullying occurs, school personnel should act immediately using a restorative justice approach. This involves emphasizing communication, empathy, reconciliation, and support for the affected student.
• Reporting and support mechanisms: Ensure that all students, especially international students, are aware of the reporting procedures for bullying. Provide multiple safe avenues for reporting, such as trusted teachers, counsellors, or an anonymous reporting system. Offer support services, such as counselling or peer support groups, to help bullied students cope with the emotional and psychological impacts.
• Disciplinary actions and consequences: Implement clear and consistent disciplinary policies for bullying behaviour, with appropriate consequences for perpetrators. This can act as a deterrent and reinforce the message that bullying is unacceptable.

By combining preventative measures that foster inclusion and cultural sensitivity with responsive measures that address bullying incidents promptly and effectively, schools can create a safer and more welcoming environment for international students.

Frequently asked questions