HECMA Program Bullying in Teens Ms. Sandra Gorman

Why do teens get bullied? List all the words that come to mind when you think of the word Bullying

Why do teens get bullied? A bully will target another teen because she is trying to fill some unmet need. Some teens may bully others to feel good about themselves. Being different in any way is one reason why a teen is bullied

Being different It is common as a teenager to want to fit into a group. However, as you become an adult, you will begin to value being an individual more. Our differences are what make us interesting. Some people are uncomfortable with differences so they may choose to become bullies and target teenagers who are different.

Reasons for being bullied Being different Weak or unable to defend yourself Annoying or provoking Depressed, anxious or insecure with low self-esteem Unable to get along with others

Why do teens become bullies? Teens who bully use their ‘POWER’ to hurt people. The bully’s power does not always mean she is bigger or stronger. The bully might be popular or smart – or the bully may know a secret about the person being bullied. Bullying is not a healthy behaviour.

Bullies are not always confident and may have low self-esteem Why be a bully? To fit with a group To feel superior – better than others Avoid being bullied themselves Bullies are not always confident and may have low self-esteem

Effects of Bullying Negative physical, mental & emotional health Feel fear, helplessness, depression & loneliness Have low self esteem Miss school or skip school Drop out of school Have various health problems Have trouble sleeping Inflict self-harm

What are the warning signs? Bullying is not always obvious. Many teens who are bullies or are being bullied do not ask for help. Those being bullied may try to hide the problem from friends. They may be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it.

Warning signs Not all teens whoa re bullied show warning signs. Look for changes in behaviour If you know someone is in distress or danger, tell a trusted adult right away. Show the person you care – how would you demonstrate that?

Take a stand against bullying Tell the bully to leave the person alone Offer an escape to the person being bullied by saying a teacher needs to see her Avoid using violence and insults Tell an adult Ask the person being bullied what you can do to help Spend time with the person being bullied

When should I report bullying? The best option is usually to report bullying behaviour to an adult. Teachers who promote tolerance among teens can go a long way toward preventing conflict and bullying at school.

When to report bullying? Many schools are developing a Zero tolerance policy A policy that makes NO exceptions for anybody for any reason, to bullying. Even for bullying or cyberbullying that takes place outside of school

When to report bullying? This type of policy provides students who feel helpless and isolated a way to stop the bullying. Any teen who is bullied or who has a friend that is being bullied, should tell a parent or teacher about the bullying. Stopping the bullying quickly can prevent it from becoming worse.

When to report bullying? If the bullying becomes violent, it must be reported immediately. All bullying is WRONG! If you see another teen being bullied, support that teen. Avoid teens who tend to bully others. Talk to student services about an anti-bullying campaign or project at school.

When to report bullying? Many schools are developing a Zero tolerance policy A policy that makes NO exceptions for anybody for any reason, to bullying. Even for bullying or cyberbullying that takes place outside of school

Vocabulary Bullying: a type of violence in which one person uses threats, taunts or violence to intimidate another again and again. It can be: Physical: hitting, kicking, pushing Verbal: name-calling, teasing, making threats Psychological: spread rumours, isolating a person, threat to use force

Vocabulary Tolerance: the ability to accept other people as they are Zero tolerance policy: a policy that makes no exceptions for anybody for any reason, to bullying.