Bullying

Watch and Respond http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJut7KQhI4 What’s going on? How do you think the boy feels? Why is the “group” acting this way?

What is bullying?

Adam dreaded physical education Adam dreaded physical education. Smaller and less developed than the other boys, he lacked athletic skill, which earned him a daily barrage of shoves, jeers and threats from Kevin, the class hulk. On the big, open playing field, Adam could neither hide his awkwardness nor “disappear” as he had learned to do almost everywhere else on the school grounds. Talking back to Kevin only fueled his tormentor’s contempt and , since the coach either didn’t notice, or didn’t care, Adam coped by skipping school as often as possible

Donald and Rudy were rivals in their neighborhood – no one was ever sure why. Maybe it was because their respective families were always arguing about parking spaces, noise levels and yard maintenance. Whatever the reason, the boys didn’t like each other and frequently ended up in fights, even at school. Both were big for the 5th grade and both had a group of staunch supporters, so their skirmishes usually drew crowds. Even kids who weren’t involved seemed compelled to watch, and there was much calculating and betting about who would win each bout.

What is bullying? Bullying is a pattern of aggressive behavior that is intentional, cruel, hurtful and repeated There is an imbalance of strength Bullied children are harassed, taunted, rejected and assaulted People who bully often want power over others

How does it differ from peer conflict? Power – Bullies are almost always more powerful than their victims Support – Bullies choose victims in part for their relative isolation Vulnerability - Bullies look for potential victims among the weak Intensity and Duration – Bullying is rarely a one-time occurrence Intent to Harm – Bullies are sadistic

What forms does bullying take? Teasing to physical aggression Physical Emotional Psychological Sexual The intent matters! The effect on the victim matters!

What is the bully’s goal? To do damage Victims’ pain, anger and humiliation are proof that damage has been done

Myths about bullying It’s just teasing Some people deserve to be bullied People who complain about bullying are babies Only boys bully Bullying is a normal part of growing up

Myths about bullying People who bully will stop the behavior if you ignore them All bullies have low self-esteem – that’s why they pick on others It’s tattling to tell an adult when you’re bullied The best way to deal with a bully is by fighting or trying to get even People who are bullied will get over it

Appropriate responses to bullying REPORT IT If a situation is dangerous, get away as quickly as possible If it is safe, stand up to bullying Avoid the person who is bullying Try to stay around others Befriend those who have been bullied When a person is not bullying, try to be friendly

Inappropriate responses to bullying Fighting back or trying to get even Joining in bullying Staying quiet about the bullying

Will you take the pledge? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtFtbaKIYyg

Rules for bully proofing our classroom http://www.bullying.org/htm/main.cfm?content=1061

Our bullying program Class rules Weekly meetings Lesson “Conflict” box “Caught You Caring” box