The Color of School Bullying Victimization: Race, Ethnicity, Immigration, and Religion

Abstract

In this chapter, we explain how race, ethnicity, immigration, and religion are associated with school bullying. Most school bullying research has focused on the differential patterns of victimization between White American and African American youth. Research reveals that African American, Latino American, Asian American, and White American youth experience school bullying victimization distinctly differently. We discuss several potential reasons have why racial and ethnic minority youth have increased exposure to school bullying. Immigrant youth are also often subjected to negative treatment such as discrimination, ridicule, and harassment from other students, teachers, and school administrators. Moreover, perceptions of low academic ability, rejection by peers, and fear of safety are all reflective of immigrant youth experiences within the United States school system. Additionally, the events of September 11, 2001, resulted in a dramatic increase in the religious-based bullying victimization, harassment, verbal and physical threats toward youth who are or are perceived to be Muslim in school.