What is bullying? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYYSFpFGRBE

Bullying is: Intentional, hurtful, deliberate action against someone who has less power It is not normal conflict. It is not “just teasing”.

The damage is real. And it can last. Withdrawing from activities Missing school Trouble studying Trouble sleeping Depression Wanting revenge Suicidal thoughts

Normal Conflict vs. BULLYING Equal Power; friends Imbalance of power Happens occasionally Accidental Meant to get both parties to laugh Remorse – takes responsibility BULLYING Imbalance of power Repeated offenses Happens on purpose Serious hurt physically or emotionally No remorse - blames the victim

Hurtful Teasing Sensitive topic Purpose is to upset Friendly Teasing vs Equal power; friends Neutral topic Playful purpose Purpose is to include Funny Hurtful Teasing Imbalance of power, not friends Sensitive topic Purpose is to upset Purpose is to leave out Sarcastic

Bullying is a 3-headed beast verbal mental physical

Verbal It can include: Name-calling, teasing, threatening, intimidating phone calls. Racial and Ethnic Harassment Examples: ethnic jokes, racial name calling and racial slurs. Harrassment on other “Off Limit” topics Examples: religion, social status, appearance, gender, sexual content

Mental Social/Relational Aggression: Spreading rumors, excluding others Intimidation: Graffiti, a dirty trick, taking possessions Written Aggression: Negative messages through texts, instant messaging, e-mail, note passing, etc.

Physical punching pushing hitting kicking tripping rude hand gestures destroying someone’s property

The bullying triangle bullies victims bystanders

In order to get power, they need: Bullies want power. . . BUT In order to get power, they need: victims bystanders helpers

Reasons Why Someone Bullies They think they’ll gain power They think they’ll gain popularity and attention They are acting out problems from home They are copying what someone else does that they look up to

Victims Targets of the abuse It is not your fault. You are not alone. Ignoring it will not stop the problem. You need to tell someone.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE BYSTANDERS They are the largest and most underused resource in our schools. They are 85% of the school population - the silent majority. Too often they ignore the bullying and lose empathy towards the victims. LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Change Begins with the Bystander You can take the lead You can look for the good in others You can be the difference That makes the difference

Game Plan to Stop Bullying Make an Interception Get them out of there! “Walk with me real quick, I need you to help me with something.” Try a Pep Talk Be positive, ask what’s going on. “Hey is everything okay? You are a good person and I know you are better than this.” Run Interference Change the subject. “What did you think about the announcements this morning?” Blow the Whistle Know when to get an adult. “Let’s go get a teacher before this gets out of hand.”

What roles do you see being played out? Situation Cards What roles do you see being played out? What could be done to stop the bullying, teasing, and the hurting of others?

Do the RIGHT Thing