Scrawl

In middle school and high school, students are often stereotyped into various categories with labels such as “nerd,” “jock,” or “freak.” These labels can often lead to further bullying, which can be especially damaging. Bullying and stereotyping can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal ideations, and other mental health issues (“Effects of Bullying.” stopbullying.gov). Students may feel isolated, powerless, and unworthy after constant harassment by their peers and being pigeonholed into restrictive stereotypes. Due to the proliferation of technology, bullying and the perpetuation of stereotypes can extend beyond the school environment into online spaces. Cyberbullying can be particularly damaging as it can occur 24/7, can be anonymous, and can reach a wider audience, making it difficult for victims to escape the harassment (“Cyberbulling.” KidsHealth.org). For example, Tod is cyberbullied by Greg, who frequently posts humiliating videos of Tod online where other students can participate in his humiliation.

Children who are bullied often struggle academically due to difficulty concentrating and avoiding class participation or being absent frequently because of their fear of attending school, like Tod’s friend Bernie (“How Bullying Impacts Academic Performance.” Arts Academy in the Woods). This can stunt their educational progress and perpetuate a cycle of underachievement, especially for low-income students like Bernie and Tod who may already face challenges in accessing resources and support at school and at home. For example, Tod’s English teacher, Mr. Harmon, claims that information about the school spelling bee was available online, but since Tod doesn’t own a computer at home, he couldn’t access the information. Bullying can also cause students to forgo participation in social activities, which can lead to loneliness and social exclusion. Experiences like these can further exacerbate mental health issues and hinder the development of essential social skills typically learned during adolescence. The stress of being bullied can also exhibit itself as physical health problems such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep issues, some of which Tod suffers from. These issues may impact a student's ability to engage in daily activities and worsen existing health disparities between low-income and high-income communities due to limited access to healthcare.

Moreover, stereotypical roles and cliques can restrict social mobility and limit opportunities, especially for low-income students like Tod. When students are judged based on socioeconomic status, race, gender, appearance, or other factors, it can reinforce negative stereotypes and undermine a student’s confidence and aspirations. Being pigeonholed into a particular stereotype limits the adolescent’s expression of identity at a time when self-expression and discovering one’s identity is especially important. Furthermore, the effects of bullying and stereotyping can extend into adulthood, impacting career prospects, relationships, and overall well-being. Low-income students who experience bullying and stereotyping may face additional barriers in breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving their full potential.

In order to address the problems with bullying and stereotyping, the text argues that teachers and parents must work on creating inclusive school environments, promoting empathy among students, providing mental health support services, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. In the novel, Mr. Harmon is guilty of favoring Greg and being aware of his cyberbullying of Tod yet doing nothing about it; he is part of the problem. Additionally, Shulman suggests that larger solutions aimed at reducing socioeconomic disparities and providing equal access to resources and support can help mitigate the destructive impact of bullying and stereotyping on all students.