Bullying

Bullying Behavior Most prevalent between ages of 8 and 14 (Olweus, 1993) A bullying attempt takes place every seven minutes in the U.S. (Bullies Beware, 2000) The average bullying attempt lasts 37 seconds (Bullies Beware, 2000) Bullying relationships are often established by the sixth week of school (Bullies Beware, 2000) Observed bully behavior is usually two or three levels below what actually occurred (Fried and Fried, 1996)

What Is Bullying? A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one of more persons.

Imbalance of Power BULLY VICTIM

Direct and Indirect Bullying Direct – Involves relatively open attacks on a victim Indirect – Involves social isolation and/or exclusion

Continuum of Violence Shooting Stabbing Flashing a weapon Hitting/kicking Shoving/punching Spitting/pushing Intimidating/extorting Stalking Sexually harassing Stealing Damaging Property Threatening Taunting/ridiculing Name-calling Writing graffiti Staring/leering Gesturing Starting rumors Eye-rolling

Myths of Bullying Only boys bully. Once a bully, always a bully. There’s more bullying at larger schools or in larger classes. Bullying is a result of competition and the struggle to achieve good grades.

More Myths of Bullying Students are usually victims of bullying because of outward deviations. There is a connection between bullying others or being bullied and the family’s socioeconomic level. Those who bully have low self-esteem. Bullies are agitated and aggressive.

More Myths of Bullying Standing up to a bully by fighting back will deter the behavior. The best way to handle a bully is to avoid or ignore the problem. Schoolyard bullies usually outgrow aggressiveness.

Create a Climate of Character Aggressive behavior drops up to 50% when playgrounds are structured. Organize games for large and groups, and teach kids games they can play alone.

Teach Tolerance Children are more likely to learn if they’re included in the process of running the classroom and making decisions.

Teach Assertiveness… Being Cool and in Control! Hot = Aggressive (Thumbs Down) Cold = Passive (Thumbs Down) Cool = Assertive (Thumbs Up!)

Characteristics of Kids Who Don’t Bully and Aren’t Bullied Don’t insist on own way Flexible, entertain another agenda, no control issues Willing to compromise Able to apologize readily, easily, and naturally Able to share and offer to share Know how to change the topic Have healthy self-esteem Have a positive attitude and sense of humor

Anti-Bullying Checklist The more of these components your school has, the easier it will be to implement an anti-bullying initiative. Cooperative learning modeled Peer mediation Weekly classroom meetings Active parent-teacher organization Involvement in cluster meetings/feeder patterns Ongoing training of staff, students, and parents Committed to the program for 3-5 years Part of a larger, comprehensive prevention/intervention plan Support from: Administration At least 85% of staff School counselor, psychologist, and social worker Parents and community Everyone open to change Positive school climate Staff cohesiveness and teaming focus Active wellness team Violence-prevention curriculum in all grades

Activity: A Storm is Coming!!! In groups discuss your thoughts and brain storm on the following : 1. One day a week set aside 30 minutes for open discussions on bullying in the classrooms. 2. The students work together for ideas for a bully-free policy, for a bully-free school. 3. Having a wall or area in each school where the art department or some other affiliate with students involved writes a motto or slogan on the wall. 4. Having thoughtful discussions on bullying as it occurs… “Just how thoughtful, caring or respectful was that…how do you think that made her feel?” 5. Working on connecting with all students; especially those who are excluded. 6. Staff writing their own credo where they are promising to be active, alert and involved in all students lives. 7. Any other ideas?