2. A TEACHER’S GUIDE TO BULLYING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM Types of bullying, what teachers can do, and how to deal with cyber bullying.

3. Caitlyn’s story  She moved around a lot.  Her family returned to the same place they had been 5 years prior. She was in 7 th grade now.  There were some new girls at her school that didn’t like her. So they left a note in her locker that said “Die. Nobody likes you.”  She was devastated.  How would you feel?

4. What is Bullying?  Bullying includes behaviors that focus on making someone else feel inadequate, or focus on belittling someone else.  Bullying includes:  Harassment  physical harm  repeatedly demeaning speech  efforts to ostracize another person.  Bullying is active, and is done with the intention of bringing another person down.

5. Types of Teenage Bullying  1 st type: Physical  Most obvious form of bullying  The instigator attempts to physically dominate another teen.  This usually includes kicking, punching and other physically harmful activities, designed to instill fear in the one bullied, and possible coerce him or her to do something.

6. Types of Teenage Bullying  Verbal Bullying:  Using demeaning language to tear down another's self- image.  Bullies who use verbal techniques excessively tease others say belittling things use a great deal of sarcasm with the intent to hurt the other person's feelings or humiliate the other teen in front of others.

7. Types of Teenage Bullying  Emotional  This is even more subtle than verbal bullying.  Aims to get someone else to feel isolated, alone and may even prompt depression.  This type of bullying is designed to get others to ostracize the person being bullied.

8. Types of Teenage Bullying  Cyber Bullying  Electronic bullying is becoming a very real problem for teens.  This type of bullying uses instant messaging cell phone text messages online social networks to humiliate and embarrass others.  This can be especially devastating to the people being bullied, since they cannot even find a safe place in the virtual world.

9. Why is it important to us?  30% of teens report being involved in bullying either as the bully or the victim.  When students are scared to go to school, they definitely will not be focused on learning.  Students may skip school to avoid bullying.  Every student has the right to feel safe in school.  The effects of bullying will follow students throughout life…

10. Effects of Bullying  Lower self-esteem  Lower grades  Lower self-confidence  Depression  Anxiety and fear  Physical injuries  Possible jail time  Severe depression leading to suicidal thoughts  Drug use  Stunted social development PresentFuture

11. How can we as teachers help?  Teens should be encouraged to seek friends, in person and online, who are supportive and kind.  They should try to move in groups if possible, since bullies most often single out those who are alone.  Participate in Bullying Prevention month!  You the teacher can be present and discourage bullying…

12. As a teacher you can…  Create anti-bullying policies:  Clearly define what bullying is.  Be specific, but don’t exclude any groups.  Make consequences. This helps the victims know its taken seriously.  Educate the families  Pay attention to state bullying laws.

13. Dealing specifically with cyber bullying  Explain to your students what cyber bullying is.  Encourage students to inform adults if they are at all suspicious of something seen online.  Teach internet safety (along with your AUP).  Encourage parents to know what is going on:  Parents need their child’s passwords to accounts  Parents may want to block numbers on their child’s phones that cause problems.  Some forms of bullying can be against the law, and parents may need to contact the police.

14. Operation Beautiful  Operation Beautiful is challenging teens and people of all ages to be positive towards their peers.  People leave notes for peers that tell them encouraging messages  Great idea for classroom teachers to have students give appropriate comments to other students instead of negative bullying remarks.

15. References  http://www.operationbeautiful.com/ http://www.operationbeautiful.com/  http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/ http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/  http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/#/home http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/#/home