1. BULLYING: PROS AND CONS BY LAURA JOHNSON

2. OVERVIEW: Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that is intentional, hurtful, (physical and psychological), and/or threatening and persistent (repeated). There is an imbalance of strength (power and dominance). Includes verbal, physical, social and cyber bullying Both victim and perpetrator suffer from physical and psychological consequences of bullying

3. FACTS:  Research indicates that bullying is a global problem, citing studies in numerous other countries that find bullying a problematic and widespread phenomenon  According to the American Medical Association, 3.7 million youths engage in bullying, and more than 3.2 million are victims of “moderate” or “serious” bullying each year (Cohn & Canter, 2003).  Research shows that bullying may be linked to as many as half of all suicides

4.  Programs provides support to students, parents and teachers  Student empowerment  Children can feel safe again in school  Gives students a feeling of community at school  Education on bullying brings awareness  Bully’s may feel encouraged when punished  Zero Tolerance  Bullying vs. conflict  Money for programs  Conflict resolution  Group therapy for bullies PROS:CONS:

6. WHAT CAN A SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY DO ABOUT BULLYING?

7. School wide interventions: Strategies include implementing a school wide antibullying policy, a survey of bullying problems at each school, increased supervision, school wide assemblies, and teacher in-service training to raise the awareness of children and school staff regarding bullying. Classroom interventions: Strategies include establishing classroom rules against bullying, holding regular class meetings to discuss bullying at school, and scheduling meetings with all parents. Individual interventions: This strategy consists of having individual discussions with each student identified as either a bully or a target.