Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Erin Gately Arkansas State University erin.gately@smail.astate.edu

Definitions Bullying - Abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful, etc. :the actions and behavior of a bully. Cyber-Bullying - The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

Statistics 20.8% of students report being bullied. Only 36% of students being bullied report it. 15% of students are involved in cyber-bullying. Only 10% tell an adult when being cyber-bullied. 57% of bullying stops when bystanders intervene. There is a 25% reduction in bullying in response to school programs

Comparison of bullying and cyber-bullying In person or face to face Can see victims reaction Typically premeditated Exposed Student knows who is talking to them Typically a small audience Face to face or small group interactions No record of what was absolutely said Over the internet Removed from victims reaction Impulsive Anonymity Students can use false names or pages Large audience Anyone with internet can see. Nothing on the internet really ever gets deleted

People Involved in Bullying The aggressor. Often searching for power or social status. Victim The person being bullied. Often being degraded for something they cannot control. Bystander The person watching bullying take place Often afraid to intervene.

Effects of Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Victims Loss of self esteem. Can lead to depression or self doubt. Bullies Creates poor communication skills. Can isolate themselves from friendships. Bystanders Creates fear in all those involved Can make students feel guilty for not helping.

School Implemented Bullying Prevention Talk to students about bullying. Make sure students know what bullying is, and how to stop it. Be available to respond. Make sure students feel comfortable reporting and talking about being involved in bullying. Have real consequences. Make sure students know that their actions have consequences.

Students with Disabilities Students with disabilities are twice as likely to be bullied as their peers. These students may have a harder time responding to their aggressors. Teachers should be aware and responsive to signs that their students are being bullied.

Warning Signs of Bullying Bullies Victims Becoming more aggressive Refusing to take responsibility for actions Unexplained excess money Consistently concerned about popularity or image Becoming more meek Constantly apologizing to avoid aggression Unexplained loss of money Sudden loss of friends or social status

Teacher Response to Bullying Be there for students who are being bullied. Listen to what students have to say. Students will all respond differently to being bullied. Gather as much information as possible. Ask for information from all students involved. Respond accordingly to the information you receive. Support your students Create a bullying free environment in your classrooms. Students should feel safe.

Conclusion Together, we can be champions for our students and prevent bullying in our schools. With a little bit of effort and education, we can help eradicate bullying and create safe and healthy schools for our students.

References Bullying Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2017, from http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/stats.asp Cyber Bullying Statistics. (2015, July 07). Retrieved October 31, 2017, from http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying- statistics.html Lohman, R. C. (2012, May 14). Cyberbullying versus Traditional Bullying. Retrieved October 31, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/teen- angst/201205/cyberbullying-versus-traditional-bullying Prevention at School. (n.d.). Retrieved October 31, 2017, from https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/at-school/index.html