The “BIG” Picture on Bullying LaTasha D. Cromwell University of New England EDU 615

Off to school on a TYPICAL day….. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgePIkvqtFU

What is Bullying? Bullying can come in different forms: Physical contact Verbal (i.e. lies, rumors, threats, etc.) Social alienation Racial bullying Sexual bullying Cyber bullying (i.e. text messages, internet – Facebook, My Space, Twitter, etc. LGBT Bullying (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender bullying) Bullying occurs when a someone is constantly exposed to deliberate injury or discomfort/distress imposed by one or more individuals.

DID YOU KNOW? Approximately, 20% of all students report being bullied in the United States. 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school. Playground school bullying statistics - Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Adult intervention - 4%. Peer intervention - 11%. No intervention -85%. With an effective prevention plan, there can be up to a 50% reduction rate in bullying incidents.

Why bullying occurs and its effects on the bullied People who bully generally: Have a need to feel powerful. Find satisfaction in inflicting pain and injury upon others. Gain materialistic or psychological rewards for their behavior. People who are bullied may experience: Low self-esteem Depression Suicidal thoughts and/or efforts Low academic achievement Stress and health issues Anxiety and insecurity

BULLYING vs. cyber bullying DIRECT Occurs on school property Poor relationships with teachers Fear retribution Physical: Hitting, Punching & Shoving Verbal: Teasing, Name calling & Gossip Nonverbal: Use of gestures & Exclusion www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov *Adapted from ‘Demystifying and Deescalating Cyber Bullying’ Barbara Trolley, Ph.D. CRCConnie Hanel, M.S.E.d & Linda Shields, M.S.E.d. CYBERBULLYING ANONYMOUS Occurs off school property Good relationships with teachers Fear loss of technology privileges Further under the radar than bullying Emotional reactions cannot be determined {McKenna & Bargh, 2004; Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004}

Bully prevention Remove the fear from students by creating a safe environment by being involved. Educate students on what bullying is, its effects, dangers, and preventative strategies. Adapt a NO TOLERANCE atmosphere and make it known all bullies will be disciplined. Create a school anti-bullying program and train all staff through staff development training sessions. Supply students with a way to anonymously report any bullying they may be aware of.

Resources http://www.stopbullying.gov/ http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problem s/bullies.html http://olweus.org/public/bullying.page http://www.how-to-stop- bullying.com/bullyingstatistics.html