Bullying plays a key role in 'Gilbert Goons' violence. Here's how to respond
Bullying, social media and alcohol and drug use likely played formative roles in the community problem we call the “Gilbert Goons.”
For more than a year, groups of teens fought each other and targeted other victims largely with impunity — until a violent attack at a Queen Creek Halloween party left 16-year-old Preston Lord dead.
The attacks have shocked the community and left many feeling frustrated and powerless.
But there are things each of us can do to stop this violence. The first step is understanding possible contributing factors and how to respond to them:
Bullying
Bullying can take many forms, from physical aggression to name-calling to taking or breaking belongings.
It can happen in person or, increasingly, on social media, via text and email, or in chat rooms and online games.
Yet only about 20% to 30% of bullying incidents are reported, according to muststopbullying.org, an Arizona Department of Health Services effort to address bullying.
Teens who are physically bullied may have unexplained injuries. They may have frequent headaches or stomach aches and may exhibit changes in eating or sleep habits.
Those involved in cyberbullying may suddenly change how frequently they are using electronic devices. They may hide their screen when others are around or avoid social situations they previously enjoyed.
If you’re a teen and witness bullying: Don’t join in or watch, and don’t spread rumors or gossip. Tell an adult immediately. Encourage the bullied person to speak with an adult. Offer to go with them when they do.
If you’re an adult and witness bullying: Intervene immediately. Separate the young people involved. Make sure everyone is safe. Gather as much information as possible, individually, about what happened.
In the aftermath: Listen to the teen being bullied. If they struggle to talk about it, consider getting help from a school counselor or psychologist. Ask what could help them feel safe. Make a game plan, with their school or others, to address it.
Arizona law requires every school district to keep a policy on how it will respond to bullying, but it does not cover conduct that occurs off school property.
Social media use
There are no hard and fast rules for how often and at what age kids should begin to use social media.
But according to the American Psychological Association, parents should take a multipronged approach when they do.
Consider setting time limits on devices, limiting chat functions on apps and monitoring viewed content and comments, especially among younger teens.
Parents should regularly talk with their children about social media, so kids will feel comfortable telling them about what they encounter.
And model responsible use — by making respectful comments online, verifying sources before forwarding information and setting time limits for yourself.
Social media use may be a problem if:
It interferes with daily routines, including sleeping and exercise.
Teens choose social media over in-person interactions.
They have strong cravings to check social media or use deceptive behavior to spend time online.
Alcohol and drug use
The good news: Teen alcohol and drug use have decreased over time, according to the latest Arizona Youth Survey, mirroring a national trend.
But the prevalence increases from eighth to 12th grade, with a little less than half of high school seniors reporting alcohol use and one in three reporting having used marijuana in their lifetime.
Young people who drink alcohol are more likely to struggle in school, experience violence or misuse other drugs — and the risks are higher for those who binge drink, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Teens who begin drinking before 15 are six times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than those who start at 21.
It’s good to begin talking about alcohol and substance abuse early and set clear expectations for your teen.
If they think you’ll allow drug or alcohol use, for example, they’ll be more likely to try it.
Reach Allhands at joanna.allhands@arizonarepublic.com. On X, formerly Twitter: @joannaallhands.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bullying plays a role in 'Gilbert Goons' violence. How to help
