Donald Trump's Campaign Is Reportedly Causing An Increase In School Bullying

Donald Trump's sexist, discriminatory, childish presidential campaign is not just causing problems in the political realm -- it's causing problems in schools.

A new report from Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate and intolerance, found there has been an increase in bullying and anxiety in schools since Trump's campaign began.

Sixty-seven percent of teachers surveyed said children of color have expressed concern about the fate of their families after the election. These students are more scared now of being deported and discriminated against.

Many younger children reportedly expressed concerns of being put into slavery or prison camps. Overall, teachers said there is a notable increase in fear among children of color in schools.

It seems children are also more scared now because they see how much hatred and prejudice exists. It is disheartening and harmful for students.

But on the other side of the divide, some students have taken Trump's manner and run with it.

Teachers said students feel "emboldened" by Trump to use slurs and make fun of other students. Teachers are upset because Trump is single-handedly undoing years of anti-bullying lessons.

Some teachers reported students are using Trump's words to defend their bullying. When confronted about name-calling, students have said they're not bullying, they're just "telling it like it is."

This bullying is paired with an increase in racial slurs and discrimination. One teacher in New Hampshire wrote,

A lot of students think we should kill any and all people we do not agree with. They also think that all Muslims are the same and are a threat to our country and way of life. They believe all Muslims want to kill us.

Even in mostly white schools, students are using more slurs and derogatory terms to make fun of other students.

Teachers noted it's hard to tell students to use good behavior when a leading presidential candidate is not. One teacher from Massachusetts explained it's difficult to figure out how to have a mock debate where students act as the candidates since Trump's debate antics would typically get students sent to detention.

This is not the first time concerns were raised about Trump's negative effects in schools. Last month, The New York Times reported parents and teachers were having trouble explaining Trump to children.

Citations: The Trump Effect: The Impact of the Presidential Campaign on Our Nation's Schools (Southern Poverty Law Center), The Parent-Child Discussion That So Many Dread: Donald Trump (The New York Times)