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How Many TN Kids Are Getting Bullied? Report Says 5,500

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For the purposes of reporting, bullying has three factors - aggressive behavior, a pattern of behavior repeated over time, and an (actual or perceived) imbalance of power or strength. Credit: trix0r via Flickr

For the purposes of reporting, bullying has three factors – aggressive behavior, a pattern of behavior repeated over time, and an (actual or perceived) imbalance of power or strength. Credit: trix0r via Flickr

Thousands of kids in Tennessee public schools are being bullied. What was previously presumed has now been confirmed.

For the first time, the state’s Department of Education is tracking bullying. And the initial report confirmed nearly 5,500 cases.

As expected, students are being picked on for their race, gender or a disability. About 7 percent of the bullying was carried out online.

The reporting is a result of legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly last year. Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro – the bill’s sponsor – calls the findings “very alarming.”

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Blake Farmer, Host, This Is Nashville

Blake Farmer is the host of “This Is Nashville,” the flagship weekday show of Nashville Public Radio. Previously, Blake spent 16 years at WPLN News, serving as host, editor and news director. Before a two-year radio hiatus with a Nashville-based healthcare company, Blake was one of the country’s most prolific healthcare audio journalists. He produced stories for both local and national programs, extending the reach of his reporting through a partnership with KFF Health News. Outside of work, Blake can be found running or biking on roads that other Nashvillians consider too busy for such activities. So far, he has always made it home to his wife of 20 years and two children.

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