Gender Based Bullying

An act of intentionally inflicting injury or discomfort upon another person (through physical contact, through words or in other ways) repeatedly and over time for the purpose of intimidation and/or control. Bullying

Gender Based Bullying Homophobic teasing Using gendered language to call someone weak or scared

Homophobic Teasing: Negative attitudes and behaviors directed toward individuals who identify as or are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

Examples “That’s so gay” – Gay in this case describes something as bad. How is that a harmful analogy to make? What ways can you set a different example ? “No homo” – This is a common phrase used by young people to separate themselves from anything that could be associated with having any sexual orientation other than straight.

How does bullying based on gender and sexual orientation stereotypes affect young people? It limits people’s ability to be themselves! – When this language goes unchecked by adults, the message for young people is that there is no one that will support them in being themselves. This can cause young people to shut down, stay in the closet, bully other young people, and generally feel isolated and depressed. – This can cause internalized sexism or homophobia. Young people may start to believe that they deserve to be treated badly or like less than their friends or partners.

How does gender based bullying affect the bully? Lack of empathy – Othering people makes us less likely to see them as fully human or deserving of rights. Power and control – This can lead a bully to want to further assert their power and control later in life, potentially leading to sexual harassment.

Gender based bullying leads to Sexual Harassment The Bully-Sexual Violence Pathway is an emerging theory in which bullying perpetration and homophobic teasing are thought to be predictive of sexual violence perpetration over time. Sexual Harassment: Includes comments, sexual rumor spreading, or groping.

ASAP Study This research is focused on one kind of sexual violence, sexual harassment, that does not include forcible acts like rape. The findings of this study do not imply that bullying leads to rape. It suggests that bullying and homophobic teasing are associated with later sexual harassment. This association suggests the potential for bullying prevention strategies to address sexual harassment and homophobic teasing more explicitly.

“ You… Like a Girl” Gender Box Activity – Optional Men and Boys Can box, wrestle without being teased Can grow beards, mustaches Can play pro hockey Women and Girls Can have babies Can wear skirts and dresses without being teased Can wear makeup without being teased Can paint the bedroom pink without being teased

Video Clip – “Break the Box” ZpnTM How are these stereotypes harmful to young people?

Washington’s Anti-Bullying Policy Washington State has an anti-bullying task force that has created guidelines that school districts can follow in order to make their schools safer What terms are used in the Washington anti-bullying laws? – Harassment, intimidation, or bullying

What groups are listed under Washington State law? Race Color Religion Ancestry National origin Gender Sexual orientation Mental, physical, or sensory handicap

Schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics.

Assessment Tools There are assessment tools that you can use at schools that help assess how bullying is affecting your school. As a teacher noticing bullying in your school, this is a tool that you can bring to your school’s leaders.

Sample Policy Types of Rules and Policies There are several types of policies and rules that work to prevent bullying. Each serves a different purpose. For example: A school mission statement establishes the vision for the school. Everyone should know how they personally help the school achieve this shared goal. Sample Mission Statement [Name of School] is committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. Our school works to ensure that all students have the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential and share a personal and meaningful bond with people in the school community. A code of conduct describes the positive behaviors expected of the school community. The code of conduct applies to all, sets standards for behavior, and covers a focused set of expected positive behaviors. State laws sometimes specify what must be included in a school’s code of conduct.State laws sometimes specify what must be included in a school’s code of conduct. A student bill of rights includes positive things students can expect at school. Keep it short and easy to remember, so it is useful in day-to-day school life. Sample Student Bill of Rights Each student at [school] has a right to: – Learn in a safe and friendly place – Be treated with respect – Receive the help and support of caring adults

What you can do as a trusted adult? Set clear expectations with youth regarding language and respect for each other. – Make group norms that everybody has a say in. When young people help create the expectations for their peers it is more likely that they will take it seriously. – If a young person does not know why a rule exists, they are likely to not take it seriously. If they see how language can impact their peers, they are likely to build empathy and respect the group agreements. Be careful not to shut down the language young people use without unpacking the meaning and why it can be harmful. Start conversations with your children and their friends. – Why do you use those words? – What does “that’s so gay” mean to you? – Unpack the language being used.