Arkansas State University Bullying By: Geena Hooper Arkansas State University Geena.hooper@smail.astate.edu

What is Bullying? Bullying is to use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone. Typically to force him or her to do what one wants.

Types Of Bullying Physical Bullying Verbal Bullying Hitting/kicking/pinching Splitting Tripping/pushing Taking or breaking someone’s things Making mean or rude hand gestures Verbal Bullying Teasing Name-Calling Inappropriate sexual comments Taunting Threatening to cause harm

Where does Bullying take place? School building Playground On the bus Youth’s neighborhood On the internet

What is Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is using any kind of technology to hurt or harm someone else This includes Sending mean text messages Posting untrue or unkind statements Sending or posting pictures that are not yours to share to embarrass someone Making negative comments about someone with the purpose to hurt their feelings

The Impact of Bullying Education Health Safety Higher rates of absences Lower grades Higher dropout rates Health Increased fear or anxiety Low-self esteem Depression Safety Increased aggression Self harm and suicidal ideation Fear of other students Retaliation

Why Boys get Bullied vs Why Girls Get Bullied Being too good at a sport or is too smart Being shy or introverted Have few or no friends Girls Being overweight or too skinny Having low self-esteem Being new to a school Going through puberty earlier or sooner than others Having an illness or disability

Signs that your Child/Student is being Bullied Unexplained physical marks such as bruises, cuts and scrapes Doesn’t want to go to school or be around peers Change in eating habits Suddenly has fewer friends, and doesn’t want to hang out with the “regular” group Appears to be angry, depressed, anxious, sad, and moody for no known reason, and comes out of no where Afraid to be left alone; suddenly clingy

What Can a Parent Do? Learn the warning signs and recognize when your child is being bullied Contact the school officials and counselors if you think your child is being bullied Talk to your child about cyberbullying Find resources to help with your situation online

NEVER not Do Anything If you think a child is being bullied, talk to that person and ask if you can do anything. Never turn the other cheek and think that it’s not your problem You never know what that child is going through mentally, so try and help in any way possibly

What Can a Teacher Do? Know the signs of what it looks like for a child to be bullied Pay close attention to your students If you think a student is getting bullied, don’t wait till you see the physical evidence– ACT IMMEDIATELY Talk to your students about bullying and why it is not okay!

Reference Page www.stopbullying.gov www.pacer.org