The Bully Epidemic (save a life in 37 seconds or less)

Since 1992, there have been 250 violent deaths in schools, and bullying has been a factor in virtually every school shooting. Twenty-five percent (25%) of teachers see nothing wrong with bullying or putdowns and consequently intervene in only 4% of bullying incidents.

5.2% stay home at least one day a month because they’re afraid for their safety. Six out of ten students witness bullying at least once a day. One in ten students who drops out of school does so because of being bullied.

What is Bullying?

The average bullying behavior lasts only 37 seconds. Debra Pepler, Ph.D., York University

Bullying can be: DIRECT Face to face Verbal Insults, putdowns, teasing, harassment Physical Shoves, pushes, hitting, trip, heel kicks, assault Psychological Rolling eyes, dirty looks, sounds of disgust or disapproval, uttering threats, extortion

Bullying can be: Relational Aggression Telling people not to be friends with a victim INDIRECT Behind someone’s back Exclusion Leaving out Shunning Gossip Lowering people’s opinion About the victim

What is Bullying? It involves a power imbalance between Bully and Victim: Size, Status, Role, Culture, Ethnicity, Disability.

People can get bullied because of: How fast or slow they learn Their lifestyle or sexuality Being perceived as being too tall, too short, too unattractive, too thin, too overweight or too plain Their race or religion Where they live Their choice of clothing or hairstyle Who their friends are The way they speak Their disability

Take a Stand (don’t be a bystander) *Only stand if you feel comfortable doing so. *Be silent and respectful of others standing. *Any discussion that ensues outside of this room should be as a supporter, not as a judge.

10 Ways To Stop A Bully 1. Tell a teacher what’s going on. THEY DON’T KNOW 2. Drop an anonymous note off with a teacher, counselor, or principal if you’re afraid to come forward. 3. Don’t laugh at a mean jokes. 4. Say “That wasn’t funny” 5. Invite an excluded student to join in an activity. 6. Listen to a friend who is being bullied. 7. Encourage a victim to go to a teacher. 8. Tell the bully to cut it out. 9. If you’re uncomfortable standing up to the bully, try standing next to the victim. 10. Find a private moment to tell the victim you sympathize. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Other ideas for “No Place for Hate” Projects “Mix it Up” day No Name Calling Day Pen Pals, Friends of Rachel, Lunchroom Buddies Bully Box Diversity Display Challenge day.org