North Carolina ranks eighth in the nation for bullying, according to a new study released by Innerbody Research for National Bullying Prevention Month. The report analyzed national survey data on school-based and online harassment, finding that bullying is most widespread in the South.
There is no single federal law defining or regulating bullying in the United States. The U.S. Department of Education offers guidance, but each state determines its own definitions, policies and disciplinary standards. That patchwork approach means protections can vary significantly across state lines, and even the definition of bullying itself can differ from one jurisdiction to another. All 50 states require schools to have anti-bullying policies, but how those policies are enforced, and whether they include counseling or restorative practices, varies widely.
In Innerbody’s report, Louisiana, Alaska, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas reported the nation’s highest rates of bullying. North Carolina followed close behind at number eight, while North Dakota, Delaware, Massachusetts, Indiana, and Maine ranked lowest. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they “always” or “often” see hurtful comments on social media, highlighting the ongoing overlap between in-person and online harassment.
State data reflect similar patterns. The 2021 North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that nearly 40 percent of middle school students and 14 percent of high school students reported being bullied on school property during the past 12 months. The Cyberbullying Research Center estimates that about 58 percent of North Carolina youth have experienced online bullying at least once in their lifetime.
While North Carolina law requires school districts to define and prohibit bullying, it does not require schools to offer counseling or follow-up mental health services for students involved. Responses to incidents depend heavily on local resources. The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250 students per counselor, but North Carolina averages roughly 333 students per counselor, with the highest ratios found in rural counties.
National data show that students in rural areas report bullying more frequently than their urban or suburban peers, which may help explain some of North Carolina’s elevated rates. Many rural districts face persistent teacher shortages, limited staff training, and fewer prevention programs, leaving students with less access to consistent support.
LGBTQ+ students remain particularly vulnerable. According to GLSEN’s 2023 National School Climate Survey, nearly 70 percent of LGBTQ+ students in North Carolina reported being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. Only about nine percent attend schools with comprehensive anti-bullying policies that explicitly include LGBTQ+ protections.
Bullying is closely tied to youth mental health outcomes. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among North Carolinians ages 10 to 18, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. While recent surveys show modest improvements in student well-being, nearly one in five high school students still report seriously considering suicide. Advocates like NAMI North Carolina argue that reducing bullying requires more than school rules or awareness campaigns. It demands consistent funding for counselors, inclusive education policies, and community-level action to make classrooms safe for every child.