1. Bullying in Our Schools
Electra ISD
Training

2. The Facts on Bullying
15% of students are either bullied regularly or are initiators of bullying behavior
Bullying starts at the elementary level, increases at the middle school, and declines at the high school
Boys are more likely to be bullies and be bullied than girls
School size, racial composition, or school setting (rural, urban or suburban) are not distinguishing factors

3. Bullying Can Be Acted Out in Many Forms
Harassment
Hazing
Extortion
Gossip
Teasing
Exclusion
Rejection
Assault

4. Characteristics of Bullies….
Have a need to feel powerful and in control
Derive satisfaction from hurting others
Have little empathy for their victims
Generally defiant or oppositional toward adults, antisocial, and apt to break school rules
Often defend their behavior by saying they were provoked by their victim
Criminal activities
Possible drop-outs

5. Act I- The Victim and Bullying
Effects on the Victim
Grades may fall because the students attention is focused elsewhere
Attendance may drop to avoid the bullying
Causes insecurity, anxiety, and low self-esteem
Possible depression
Retaliation through drastic measures such as fighting back, carrying weapons, and suicide

6. Act II- Bystander and the Bully
Effects to the Bystanders
Afraid of associating with the victim because they fear retribution or becoming victimized themselves.
Fear reporting bullying incidents because they may be termed a “snitch”, “tattletale”, “rat”, etc.
May experience feelings of guilt or helplessness because they did not stand up to the bully on behalf of their classmates.

7. ACT III- Teachers to the Rescue
Teachers can….
Be a counselor
Provide education about bullying behavior
Take immediate action when they observe bullying behavior
Contact the parents of both parties immediately
Refer the victim and aggressor to counselor when appropriate

8. ACT IV- Students Help Save the Day
Students can….
Refuse to be participates in the harassment of other students
Offer kind words to a victim of bullying
Refuse to participate in the spreading of gossip and rumors
Tell the bully that the actions are inappropriate, if the student has an open line of communication with the bully

9. ACT V- The Bullying Stops
Schools can…….
Establish a ZERO tolerance for bullying behavior on the campus
Closely supervise students in hallways, playgrounds, and cafeterias
Establish a confidential reporting system for students to report bullying incidents
Act on bullying reports immediately
Assure the victim that someone will follow up and take appropriate action
Do not blame the victim

10. Resources
Schindelheim, Frank.(2004).Relieving Classroom Stress, A Teacher’s Survival Guide. Authorhouse
Banks, Ron.(1997). Bullying in Schools. ERIC Digest. Available:
Presentation created by Dayna Hardaway