Erin Toney

August 27, 2014

Professor conducts valuable research

Bullying is not a subject that has been alienated and kept in the dark. However, many
may not know that bullying is very common among trans-racial families.
Dr. Eun-Jun Bang, Associate Professor of Social Work, took it upon himself to study the
effects and stress among Asian adoptees that occurs from school bullying. Bang said
being a part of the Social Work field has boosted his interest in this particular area of
study.
Bang has volunteered at the Korea Heritage Camp for the last three years and has had the
opportunity to meet many adoptees from Korea who have stated that they experience
school bullying due to ethnicity and the difference of their adoptee families, as well.

Since I am from a similar culture, this increased my desire to help Korean and Asian
adoptees, said Bang.
According to Bangs research, there is a positive relationship between teacher and/or peer
support intervention, meaning that teachers and peers could possibly prevent the negative
effects of school bullying for Asian adoptees by intervening. Many of our students are
going to be future educators and I wanted our students to know that their actions can save
many victims of school bullying, said Bang.
Bangs findings also indicate that further validation of the need for intervention programs
and training to educate teachers and students to prevent bullying is necessary. Before we
can take remedial action, we have to document the problem to begin with and this kind of
foundational research is very important, said Dr. David Scott, Professor of
Communication Studies.
However, Dr. Bang is not the only person interested in preventing bullying and helping
victims of bullying. Hawk Reach Counseling Services, located in the Leoser Complex,
offers free confidential counseling to all enrolled students.
Brian Childs, Director of Counseling Services, states that he has not noticed an influx of
complaints of international students being bullied but encourages students to speak up
before it becomes assault.
Trans-racial families can be more aware of the stress their children may experience due to
bullying. That awareness may lead to open discussions, which Bangs research states
helps the victims.

I think a lot of times people engage in negative behaviors and not realize the
consequences of those behaviors, said Scott. If we increased awareness about those
consequences, people might think twice.
It is hoped that trans-racial families will feel supported by the completion of Bangs study
and by the fact that attention being given to end bullying in schools all together.
Even though we live in a diverse society, racial and ethnic minority children are still
targeted for bullying, said Bang. If you see someone being bullied, please take
necessary action to stop bullying and try to help the victims.
For more information about Dr. Bangs research, email at bang@nsuok.edu.