How Stress Affects Academic Performance

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In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, stress is unavoidable. Everyoneadults, teens and even kids
experience it at times and in different ways. Just enough stress can keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a
challenge. But too much stress can have debilitating effects on our health, contributing to and agitating many
problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, depression and sleep disorders. Now researchers
have found a clear connection between student stress and academic success.

In the first study of its kind, researchers at the University of Minnesotas Boynton Health Service surveyed 9,931
students at 14 different two- and four-year schools. Then they matched grade point averages with health problems
such as stress, smoking and drinking as well as typical lifestyle choices such as gambling and excessive screen time.
They found that students with unhealthy behaviors had significantly lower GPAs.

Stress was one of the biggest factors. Of the 69.9 percent of students who reported they were stressed, 32.9 percent
said that stress was hurting their academic performance. In fact, those who reported eight or more emotional stresses
ranging from credit card debt to failing a class or conflicts with parentshad an average GPA of 2.72 while those
who reported no significant stress had an average GPA of 3.3. While this may seem like a small difference in GPA,
when you are looking at over 9,000 students the impact of this difference is huge, said Dr. Ed Ehlinger, director of
Boynton Health Services and a lead author of the study.

However, the study found that the ability to manage stress was equally important. Students who said they were able
to handle their stress effectively performed much better than those who said they couldnt. This is an important
finding, because it can persuade colleges to provide students with the resources they need to learn how to manage
stress, Dr. Ehlinger said. If students can manage their stress, then their stress level will not matter.

Twenty percent of the students reported having sleep difficulties that impacted their academics. Students reporting
sleep deficiencies had an average GPA of 3.08 compared with 3.27 for those who got enough sleep. The more days
a student gets adequate sleep, the better GPAs they attain, Dr. Ehlinger said. There is a direct link between the
two.

The study showed that excessive television and computer use (not including academic use) also cut significantly into
grades. Students who didnt watch any television during the day had an average GPA of 3.37, while the GPA of those
with two hours of TV per day dropped to 3.21. And students with four or more hours of screen time per day had an
average GPA of 3.04 or less. Students who played less than one hour of computer or video games per day had a
GPA of 3.31, while those who played games for more than five hours had a GPA of 2.98. Dr. Ehlinger pointed out that
previous studies showed that students who spend excessive time on the computer, watching television or playing
video games were more likely to engage in other unhealthful habits such as eating fast food. Screen time had a
huge impact on grade-point average, he said. We knew it had an impact, but not that big.

The same pattern was seen with binge drinking, drugs and smoking. Students who reported issues with alcohol had
an average GPA of 2.92, compared with 3.28 for students who did not. The drug use gap was 2.94 versus 3.25. And
students who reported smoking within the past 30 days had an average GPA of 3.12 compared with 3.28 for those
who reported not smoking. Even students who smoked once or twice in a month had lower GPAs than those who
didnt smoke, said Dr. Ehlinger. Using tobacco to calm down or to be social is lowing students grades.

Dr. Ehlinger said that while most of the results were expected, there were some surprises, especially how resilient
young adults can be. Students who reported having been sexually or physically abused at some point in their lives
had no significant differences in their GPA compared with other students. However, those who reported being
sexually assaulted or abused within the previous 12 months did report lower grades. This shows that with time, young
adults can overcome such trauma, at least as far as their grades are concerned, he said.

Another surprise was that working to earn money had no effect on grades. That was true regardless of whether
students spent one or 40 hours a week at work. The conventional wisdom is that the more you worked, the more
stress is placed on your academics, Dr. Ehlinger said. There must be something else going on that is protective of
folks that are working. It might be a matter of time management.

Dr. Ehlinger said he hopes this survey will encourage college students to change behavior and for colleges to pay
more attention to the health of their students. We hope this information helps students make wise decisions, he
said. If youre investing a lot of time and money in your education, do you really want to waste your investment on
behaviors that interfere with your academic success? He is also hopeful it will help convince the Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities system to require students to have health insurance. The University of Minnesota already
requires insurance. If we can get students insured that might help them do better in school, Dr. Ehlinger said.
(Having) no insurance will stop you from getting preventative treatment and using health services. All of those things
lead you to not deal with the issues that could affect your academic career.

College students are so important for our economic developmentthe development of our society, Dr. Ehlinger
said. One way to protect that investment in our future is to help them stay healthy.

Bullying in the Workplace: Recognizing the Signs

and What You Can Do About It
Heres the deal: schoolyard bullying doesnt end after graduation. Not a lot of people talk about it but bullying is quite

common in many workplaces around the globe. In a 2007 Zogby International survey, an estimated 37% of workers in

the US or roughly 54 million people have reported experiencing bullying at their jobs. Here in Asia, there was a case

last year in Singapore where an incident involvinga supervisor verbally and physically abusing his intern was caught

on cam, with the resulting video getting spread like wildfire around the web. Given its prevalence, it is important for

both employees and employers to recognize signs of bullying in the workplace in order to quash it right away.

It is important to note that not all forms of intimidation or reprimand constitute as bullying. In some institutions, like in

the military for example, aggression is encouraged as part of the training. This helps subordinates get used to harsh

conditions in the battlefield. During training, recruits are pushed to their limits through tough physical and mental

tests.

Its another story altogether outside of the military. Their kind of training has no place in a different workplace setting.

Unfortunately (as the numbers show), bullying in an office or corporate setting occurs and it can be a lot subtler and

harder to detect.
Experts agree that there is a fine line between strong management and bullying. Objective comments that are

intended to give constructive feedback are considered normal and not usually considered bullying. What is abnormal

is unreasonable treatment that is persistent and causes physical or mental harm to the victim.

So when does it go beyond what is considered normal? Ask yourself this question: Would most people consider the

action objectionable?

If the answer is still unclear and you find yourself wondering if YOU yourself are a victim of bullying in the workplace,

check the following situations and see if its happening to you:

Am I being bullied?

1. You find yourself constantly getting screamed at, cursed, and insulted.

2. Your co-workers spread false stories or rumors about you around the office.

3. Intentional sabotage, for example delaying requests or setting up impossible tasks for you to accomplish.

4. Your mistakes get highlighted for no constructive reason.

5. You get ostracized or ignored socially.

6. Your privacy gets intruded upon by spying or stalking.

7. Getting excessive or unwarranted punishments.

8. You receive offensive jokes at your expense.

9. Your colleagues take credit for your accomplishments.

10. Physical abuse

The Impact of Bullying on the Individual and the Workplace

Workplace bullying is not some small matter that can be brushed aside for it affects not just the victim but also the

people around him and the company. The victim feels the brunt of the attack and it may manifest in feelings of

frustration, anger and helplessness. He/she may feel worthless and that he/she has nothing contribute to the

organization. Aside from that, the stress over bullying may manifest through physical symptoms which may include

insomnia, headaches and a loss of appetite. In worst case scenarios, it may even lead to the victim developing

cardiovascular problems.
Consequently, when the pattern of abuse continues the aforementioned symptoms may worsen leading to increased

absenteeism, low morale and poor performance at work. Companies in turn deal with high turnovers, a tarnished

reputation and when issues escalate that legal authorities had to intervene, pay outs to victims claiming workers

compensation. In short, a hostile environment is bad for business, whichever way you look at it.

Fixing the Problem

Given these facts, what is the best recourse of action for victims? On the side of the company, what can they do to

prevent or to fix this problem in the workplace?

If you are on the receiving end of abuse, firmly but calmly tell the aggressor to stop. If that doesnt stop things,

escalate the issue to a supervisor who can help out in mediation. In a 2007 report conducted by Arizona State

Universitys Project for Wellness and Work-Life, a group that examines the relations between work, wellness and

domestic life, advises victims to report the incidents to their colleagues, superiors and human resources in a cool and

collected manner. Keeping a diary or a recording of the incidents will also serve as proof when the time comes that

evidence is called for.

On the part of the company, eliminating bullying in the workplace starts with a commitment from the management to

instill company policies to fix the problem. There should be conscious effort on the part of the organization to maintain

vigilance over the monitoring of abusive behavior. Such action will make victims feel safe and potential bullies think

twice about doing abusive behavior in the workplace. Make it clear that human resources will not tolerate such a type

of behavior.

The bottom line is this: a harmonious and peaceful workplace will always serve the company better in the end, even if

that means letting go of bullies who are strong performers.

Garry Mathiason, a senior partner in the San Francisco office of Littler Mendelson, a top employment and labor law

firm has this to say, If you decide in favor of the harmony and teamwork of the group, and take the short-term deficit

of losing what is otherwise a good performer, youre going to be more successful as an organization, because the

team can always outperform the individual.

If all else fails, leaving the company may end up being the victims best response to abusive behavior in the

workplace, especially if his/her physical and mental being is at stake. Its simply not worth putting your health at risk.

You can find better opportunities when you decide to leave and see what is out there.
http://www.jobstreet.com.ph/career-resources/bullying-workplace-recognizing-signs-
can#.WJZbufnR-1s

The road to a bully-free

Philippines
It's time we start to question the horrible outcomes of bullying

Christopher Lao

Published 8:00 AM, October 08, 2013

Updated 8:00 AM, October 08, 2013

On September 12, 2013, President Aquino signed into law Republic Act No. 10627,
or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. In a nutshell, the law prohibits bullying or any
severe or repeated act which has any of the following effects: Causing physical or
emotional harm; Creating a hostile environment at school; Infringing on anothers
rights; and Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying under the law takes place only among elementary or high school
students, whether or not of the same school, whether or not within school
premises, and whether or not at a school-sanctioned event. Hence, bullying
involving a college student, or one committed by or against a teacher, is not
covered. Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 40, or the Department of
Education Child Protection Policy addresses the latter.

Cyberbullying now illegal

It is worthy to note that the fact that bullying can be committed outside school
premises means that cyberbullying, or bullying done through electronic means, is
amply covered. Accessing a computer at home away from school in order to bully
another will not provide refuge to the offender.

In addition to defining the prohibited act and giving examples thereof, the law
imposes an obligation on elementary and secondary schools to craft and publish
within school premises and website their respective policies against bullying. The
same must incorporate mandatory provisions on the redress of grievance and
prevention of injury caused by bullying, which include:

Sanctions against the offender, which sanctions must be commensurate to

the act done;

A rehabilitation program for both the offender and the victim, joined by their
parents; and

Procedures for the prompt and effective response to bullying.

Also, all teachers and members of the school administration now have a duty to
immediately report any instance of bullying that may come to their attention.
These incidents, in turn, will have to be reported to DepEd every first week of
each school year beginning school year 2014-2015.

Lastly, schools have six (6) months from the effectivity of the law within which to
submit to DepEd their RA 10627-compliant anti-bullying policies.

Public school teachers and administrators who fail to perform a duty under the
law will be imposed administrative sanctions, while private school teachers and
employees will be dealt with in accordance with the procedure of their own
schools. The license to operate of erring private schools will likewise be
suspended.

A good start

Although the law is only limited to elementary and secondary schools, it is a

welcome development.

At this point, no one questions the horrible outcomes of bullying. If the victim is
unable to return to normal and integrate into society, he either dies or survives
without self-esteem. The latter means that the victim is a shell without the human
spiritunable to dream and reach his potential. Worse, he feeds off on healthier
spirits, slowly transforming into a bully himself. As a result, gifts and talents
remain hidden. Leaders shirk. No street is safe. Society then is marred by
mediocrity and defeat.

A government that claims progress is at hand yet fails to acknowledge the issue
is indeed to be doubted. After all, a competitive nation is characterized by
creation, not destruction.

State policy
Given the dangers, the fight against bullying has always had legal underpinnings.
The Constitution provides that the State has a duty to defend children from all
forms of abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their
development, [Article XV, Sec. 3(2)], and to assure them of quality education at
all levels. (Article XIV, Sec. 1) Certainly, education, much less quality education,
is a myth when bullying thrives and makes the atmosphere hardly conducive to
learning.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which the Philippines became a
signatory in 1990, states that the best interests of children must be the primary
concern of all governments when making decisions affecting them. It is in the
best interests of children to be protected from being hurt and being mistreated,
physically or mentally. (Art. 19)

In line with the Constitution and our international commitment towards children
welfare, we have enacted domestic legislation. Presidential Decree No. 603, or
the Child and Youth Welfare Code states that [e]very child has the right to a well-
rounded development of his personality to the end that he may become a happy,
useful and active member of society. To attain this, every child should be
protected against conditions or circumstances prejudicial to his physical, mental,
emotional, social and moral development.

The Family Code, on the other hand, imposes on the parents and those
exercising substitute parental authority the duty to enhance, protect, preserve
and maintain (the childs) physical and mental health at all times.

Given that bullies are often a reflection of the precept and example set by their
parents, parents have a duty to prevent (children) from acquiring habits
detrimental to their health, studies and morals.

At par globally
Today, we have successfully added to these the new law against bullying, in line
with the Constitution and our international commitment. In so doing, we have
placed ourselves on the map in terms of global competitiveness and innovation
along with nations like the United States, where a majority of states have an anti-
bullying law, and Japan, whose anti-bullying law dates back to a decade earlier in
2001.

Plainly, we are all stakeholders in the matter. We must see to it that underway are
more measures to curb, if not totally obliterate, this evil. With the new law, the first
of its kind, we are a step closer to a bully-free Philippines. In an advanced
civilization, being bullied does not reflect poorly on the victim. It reflects poorly on
society.

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/ispeak/40792-road-bully-free-philippines

Rappler turns purple

against bullying
Rappler joins many others all over the world in turning purple on Spirit Day to
protest bullying
#SpiritDay. Rappler Facebook cover photo

MANILA, Philippines - Rappler turns purple - the color of a bruise.

On October 20, Saturday, Rappler turns its avatar purple as it joins many others
all over the world in celebrating Spirit Day, a campaign first initiated by the
organization GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) to protest the
bullying of lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender youth. In succeeding years, it's
taken broader overtones to include bullying in all its forms.

Whether it's in the schoolyard, the bar or the office, bullying is about taking
advantage of the weak. It is herd mentality at its worst. In the age of social media,
cyberbullying is a new, often tolerated act. With or without a cybercrime law,
bullying can leave lasting effects. Some people have committed suicide because
of it. In the Philippines, lawyer Christopher Lao gives a first-hand look, talking for
the first time about its effect on his life.

We are against bullying.

What's your stand? Have you ever been bullied? How did you deal with it? Tell us
your stories.

ISPEAK
Bullying and the Social
Media Mob
Power was always meant to be a force for good, to protect the weak and make
the world a better place. So it needs to be restrained by responsibility, guided by
a spirit of service, and tempered with compassion and common sense.

Chinie Diaz

Published 5:24 AM, October 08, 2012

Updated 4:43 PM, September 01, 2014

I have a new idol, and her name is Jennifer Livingston. Seriously, I want her to be
my new BFF. If you havent seen the viral video of her brilliant response to a bully
who told her she was overweight and therefore a poor role model -- WOW. Watch
it now.

What an excellent role model she turned out to be -- to both kids AND adults
alike.
Especially fattish female adults like me.

She had a powerful message for ALL adults though not just those of us with
excess body fat

Too true especially since kid bullies can be the worst.

I know this because I was bullied in grade school by a little ring of classmates
known as The Monetteskis. When I look back now, its kind of hilarious because
at 11 years old I was a pretty tall kid, and they were all smaller than I was. And
their ringleader, Monette? She was the tiniest of them all.

Mind-boggling, I tell you.

Man, those midgets were mean. They made my life miserable! They even sent
me a poison-penned poem.
Okay, the poem was actually longer and more lyrical than that, but that was the
gist.

I dont even remember the crime Id allegedly committed but I sure suffered for
it. And since the small but terrible Monetteskis were like a plaid-clad preteen
version of the Mafia, everyone else either joined in or stayed neutral but silent.

Eventually I waved the white flag from my lonely isle of misery and to my great
relief, little Miss Napoleon and her peeps accepted the terms of my peace pact.
Phew.

I laugh about it now, but there are 3 lessons I learned from that experience:

1. Bullying sucks. This is a no-brainer.

2. You dont need to be big to be an effective bully. Just ask Monette and
her mini-minions.

3. Bullying is contagious. It finds and gains strength in numbers, in the

affirmation of others, and in the passive silence of those who know its wrong but
choose to turn a blind eye.

Were all aware of these truths, but sadly, in the age of Facebook, Twitter, and
what I call the Social Media Mob, its become increasingly easier for us to forget
them and become bullies ourselves. Im ashamed to admit it, but even Ive been
guilty of participating in the Internet gang-bashing of certain infamous individuals.
Admittedly, theyre bullies too, and they had quite a bit backlash coming to them.
And Ill be honest I dont like them. At all. But I dont think Im the only person
who thinks that some of their online attackers went a little too far.

Todays Social Media Mob is a lot like the angry mobs of old, but on STEROIDS
(and dopamine).

When were in a group, its easy to get caught up in the uproar, and shout out
things we wouldnt normally say on our own, in real life. And every time we get a
reaction (via a like or retweet, for example), the dopamine rush sucks us in even
further.
One of the greatest things about the Internet is that it gives us all power. Its the
great equalizer. Today, everyone has a voice, and everyone can be heard. It
doesnt matter who we are. We may be small, but we can be terrible.

As great as this is, its also a little troubling.

Because the truth is that many of us arent accustomed to wielding this new-
found power, and have no idea of its consequences, or the destruction it can
leave in its wake. Its too easy to let the anonymity of the Internet and the
snowball effect of the Social Media Mob turn us into the very people we claim to
despise.
Power was always meant to be a force for good, to protect the weak and make
the world a better place. So it needs to be restrained by responsibility, guided by
a spirit of service, and tempered with compassion and common sense.

We can take a stand for what we believe in without being A-holes. Go! Voice your
opinion. Be angry, and rant if you must. But be responsible for the consequences
your words may have. Dont be rash, and please dont be ridiculous.

Like this guy

I swear to God, I actually saw a tweet like this among the #NotoCybercrimeLaw
Twitter protests. WTH.

Were better than this. We can be the example Jennifer Livingston talks about,
and take a stand against bullying just by choosing not to be bullies ourselves.
Its a small start, but all it takes is one drop to start the ripple effect. If we can be
small but terrible on the web, we can also be small and terrific.

Peace, people! :) - Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/technology/136-viral/40387-cyber-bullying-
normal-social-media

Social media's influence on

Filipinos
Learn more about social media networking at the Social Media Influencers
Summit 2013 on March 16, 2013 in Mandaue City, Cebu

Rappler.com

Published 3:41 PM, March 14, 2013

Updated 3:54 PM, March 14, 2013

The numbers have been coming in: the Philippines has one of the highest
penetrations in social media, preceding Australia and Indonesia. Further, in
2011's 24/7 Wall St report, we ranked first in "The Ten Nations Where Facebook
Rules the Internet."

A report of AGB Nielsen Philippines in 2011 showed that more than 50% of the
households have high-speed Internet connection and around 24% are using their
mobile devices to access online.

In 2011, Typhoon Sendong badly affected Mindanao. More than 3,000 families
were forced to stay in only 17 evacuation sites. Support was scarce until Iligan
Bloggers Society launched the One for Iligan Campaign across various social
media websites like Twitter and Facebook. Donations then came in droves that on
the first day alone.

"These success stories are inspiring and motivational, but it's also clear that they
wouldn't have happened if social media users haven't been proactive," discloses
Ruben Licera Jr, president of Cebu Bloggers Society and lead organizer of Social
Media Influencers Summit (SMIS) 2013 which will be held on March 16, 2013 at
J Centre Convention Hall in Mandaue City, Cebu Philippines.

The summit is co-presented by SMART Communications, Megaworld, Ramon

Aboitiz Foundation, Incorporated and J Centre Mall.

It will bring advocacies of Vic Marion Madriaga of CDO Bloggers Society, Hannah
Almira Amora, and Lisa Marie Mirasol of Iligan Bloggers Society more openly.

The effects and use of social media in other platforms are going to be tackled as
well, such as on politics (by Maria Irene Aserios), Philippine elections (by Kevin
Ray Chua), work (by Mary Jane Cabrera of Iloilo Bloggers Society), and business
(by Fitz Gerard Villafuerte). Janette Toral will help over 300 participants answer
the big question, "Am I a Social Media Influencer?" while Attorney Ethelbert
Ouano will stress every user's rights and corresponding responsibilities.
Rappler's CEO Maria Ressa will serve as keynote speaker.

Know more about Social Media Influencers Summit by

visiting www.socialmedia.org.ph.

The Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 is organized by iNewMedia Online

Network with Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS). Proceeds from the event will go to
Dr. Narciso Tapia Kidney Transplant Fund, Cebu Bloggers Society, and World
Vision. For more information, visit http://summit.socialmedia.org.ph/2013/ or add
their Facebook page.

http://www.rappler.com/bulletin-board/23820-social-media-influence-philippines

Absenteeism and Student Performance

People have strong opinions about almost anything and the issue of education is no
exception. How these opinions have been formed needs to be examined. This is what good
research does. It informs and guides. A myriad of factors influence education and
oftentimes, these factors are not independent from each other. Factors interact, sometimes
these add, and other times, these subtract. General notions therefore need to be carefully
drawn. Writing articles on education can also be quite challenging. When problems in basic
education involve an inability to think critically, it is difficult to reach the audience and convey
the correct message. Oftentimes, sarcasm is lost so such style of writing needs to be
avoided. For people who are convinced of their wisdom and understanding of how
education works, profound messages from basic research can be often easily lost.

Education Week recently came out with an article, "School Absences Translate to Lower
Test Scores, Study Says". One of the first comments on the article was "Really? We need a
study to show a link between absences and achievement". This is followed by "Another
obvious finding..., A wise man once said that data that is easy to gather is meaningless".
And then, "Duh!" The article related the following important findings from the study:

"Three days, if you multiply that out by nine months, is five weeks a year," Mr. Ginsburg
said. "You've got more than a quarter of the below-basic kids who are going to miss five
weeks of school a year or more," he said, noting that only 8 percent of students at the
advanced level had missed that much school. "That, to me, would be something that if you
are a chief state school officer or a superintendent, you might worry about."

The study showed that being absent for three days in a month strongly correlates with poor
performance. As educators, it is important to know the threshold. Drawing policies on school
intervention regarding absenteeism requires guiding information on where to draw the line.
Policies cannot be simply drawn out of thin air. Three days in a month, that number, a result
of research, is a useful guide for teachers and school administrators. The study as
described by the article is only an initial analysis of the data. Ongoing research will continue
to unravel further the underlying factors that result into absenteeism. This is an important
task since this information likewise is necessary to design the interventions that are
relevant.

Among the comments on the article is an informed one and it brings us to another website,
"Attendance Works: Advancing Student Success by Reducing Chronic Absence".
"Sure, the connection between attendance and achievement is obvious. But do you know
how many students in your district or your school are missing 10% of the school year, the
point where research shows that absenteeism undermines academic performance? Unless
you live in Maryland, probably not. Most schools measure average daily attendance (who
shows up) and truancy (who's skipping). But they don't look at who's missing too much
school in excused and unexcused absences. When they do, they get to some of the "why"--
asthma, homelessness, transportation problems, boredom--and they can figure out how to
address it."

And I took the liberty to share in this blog, two figures from the website that imply the long
term consequences of absenteeism:
I simply do not understand why anyone thinks that this type of data is meaningless. It
informs us so that we need not pretend that we are all-knowing and certain of our
prejudices.