Bullying & Cyber Bullying Katie Noonan

Topics Covered Tonight… We’re going to… Discuss our experiences & ideas about bullying Look at the different types of bullying Dispel 6 Myths about bullying Discuss what educators can do to stop bullying. Discuss what schools can do to stop bullying.

What is Bullying? “A form of harassment or victimization that is aggressive and carried out repeatedly over a period of time with intent to cause harm to the victim. Inherent in a bully-victim relationship is an imbalance of power whereby the bully, because of status or age, has a disproportionate amount of power over the victim.” (2005). The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: A proven school-based program to reduce bullying. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 21(4), 1-6.

What are the Types of Bullying? Physical Hitting Pushing Slapping Physical Intimidation Threatening Looks or Stares Emotional/ Relational Name-calling Taunts Racial slurs or taunts about one’s sexual orientation Rumors/Gossip Social exclusion

Cyber Bullying “the use of the Internet or other digital communication devices to insult or threaten someone” a “pervasive intimidation method” that uses electronic communication such as instant messaging, e-mail, online forums, social networking sites or text messaging Can be anonymous or not, but the purpose is to disseminate information to mass numbers of people in order to humiliate the child. “72% of youth have experienced an instance of bullying in cyberspace” Most common forms included name-calling, password theft, sharing of private photos or conversations and threats Juvonen, J., & Gross, E. (2008). Extending the School Grounds?—Bullying Experiences in Cyberspace. Journal of School Health, 78(9), 496-505.

Have you ever witnessed bullying? (As an adult or child) Describe the event: what was the bully doing? How was the victim/s responding? How did it make you feel? How did you react? How did others around you react? If you were a child, did an adult intervene? Did anyone report the incident?

Teens Who Were Bullied Share their Stories… CNN’s Anderson Cooper talks to victims of bullying.

The Myths About Bullying

1. Bullies have low self-esteem and are rejected by their peers.

Other students perceive bullies as “cool.” In truth, research shows that bullies have high status in classrooms and many friends. Other students perceive bullies as “cool.” Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

2. Getting bullied is a natural part of growing up 2. Getting bullied is a natural part of growing up. The experience builds character.

Victims are often disliked by their peers and experience: In fact, instead of increasing the resiliency of children, bullying increases their vulnerabilities. Victims are often disliked by their peers and experience: depression, anxiety & loneliness They start to blame their victimization on their own perceived shortcomings. Trips to the school nurse and absenteeism start to increase. Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

3. Once a victim, always a victim…

Research shows that only about one-third of students are chronic victims. In one study, from the fall of 6th grade to the spring of 8th grade the number of victims dropped to > 10%. Situational factors may account for the decline e.g. switching schools, school-wide interventions, puberty Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

4. Boys are physical and girls are relational victims and bullies (Relational meaning- social ostracism or attempts to destroy the reputation of the victim.)

Victims experience both. In many studies the two kinds of bullying tend to be correlated. Victims experience both. Gender differences may be seen in elementary levels, but by high school age relational bullying becomes the norm. May be less socially acceptable to be physical after elementary school. Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

5. Zero tolerance policies reduce bullying

These policies can actually backfire and lead to anti social behavior Black students are disproportionately the targets of suspension or expulsion resulting in a racial discipline gap. Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

6. Bullying only involves a bully and a victim

Bullying incidents are typically public events that have witnesses. Studies have shown that on average at least 4 other children are present as either bystanders, assistants to bullies, reinforcers, or defenders of victims. Unfortunately, defenders are the most infrequently seen group. Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

What can teachers do to stop bullying?

What Can We Do? As teachers: Children aren’t going to report incidents of bullying. But, Studies have shown that teachers who use positive behavioral supports that are “proactive and positive rather than reactive and negative,” have lower rates of bullying in their classrooms. Monitor hallways in between periods or stand outside your door to welcome students Utilize an anonymous bullying reporting system in your classroom. Know your students! Make yourself available to meet with students Make your feelings about bullying known

What can Schools Do? A holistic approach is most effective. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program See handout Across 10 schools that have implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, bullying behaviors have been reduced across the board – anywhere from 30-70%. Models such as this are difficult to carry out because of the time, money, training and amount of people involved

Bullying Scenarios

In Summary… Bullying can have permanent, lasting emotional and psychological ramifications for children. Bullying is one of the top health concerns for America’s youth “72% of youth experienced an instance of bullying in cyberspace” More than 75% of school-age children report that they have been victims of bullying, and 10-15% report being victims of “chronic bullying” According to the National Education Association, an estimated 160,000 children miss school due to fear of attack or intimidation every day” “ At least one child tries to commit suicide because of fear of school every month” Parents, teachers and administrators need to educate themselves about bullying prevention tactics

References Allen, K. (2010). Classroom Management, Bullying, and Teacher Practices. Professional Educator, 34(1), 1-15. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Bonanno, R., & Hymel, S. (2010). Beyond Hurt Feelings: Investigating Why Some Victims of Bullying Are at Greater Risk for Suicidal Ideation. Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 56(3), 420 440. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Graham, S. (2010). What Educators Need to Know About Bullying Behaviors. Phi Delta Kappan, 91(9), 66-69. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Juvonen, J., & Gross, E. (2008). Extending the School Grounds?—Bullying Experiences in Cyberspace. Journal of School Health, 78(9), 496-505. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008.00335.x. (2005). The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: A proven school-based program to reduce bullying. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 21(4), 1-6. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.