2. What is Bullying? Definition  A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons – Imbalance of power – Repeated actions – Intentional Actions Types – Physical aggression (hitting, bumping) – Social aggression (sexting, facebook) – Verbal aggression (singing songs with hurtful lyrics) – Written aggression (sexting; cyberbullying) – Sexual harassment (sexting, bumping) – Racial & cultural harassment (harrassing someone because of their sexual orientation )

3. Reasons why students bully others To gain power To gain popularity and attention To act out problems from home To copy what someone else does that they admire They perceive it as fun They have low self-esteem (sometimes)

4. Boys vs. Girls Tactics Boy Name calling Physical attacks – Pushing – Shoving Extortion (money, belongings) Defacing victim’s property Repeated physical attacks Inappropriate sexual behavior Girl Physical attacks – Pushing – Shoving Name calling Isolating the victim Spreading false rumors

5. Consequences of Bullying THE BULLY Fights Theft Vandalism Bullies are also 5 to 6 times more likely to have serious criminal records by young adulthood THE VICTIM Experience physical and psychological damage Cut school for fear of being bullied Experience depression, poor self-esteem, and other mental health problems as adults Fear of using school property (bus, restrooms, and locker rooms) Drop out of school Change schools Attempt suicide Seek revenge

6. Take a STAND Assert Yourself – make assertive statements to the bully addressing your feelings about the bullying behavior. Stop rumors Humor: Use humor to de-escalate Avoid: (PBW) walk away Don’t pass on a hurtful note or text Speak up to a bully: “We don’t do that here” Ask someone new to join you at lunch Say “hi” to a new student or someone you don’t know very well Include someone new in one of your activities Join up with someone who is being bothered and take them out of the situation Seek help or let adults know when someone needs help