CAN BULLYING BE STOPPED?

What is bullying? According to the encyclopedia “Bullying is the repeated use of aggression by one or more people against another person or group. Bullying usually involves an imbalance in power, in which the bully is bigger or stronger then his or her target. Bullies may abuse their victims verbally, physically or psychologically. In some cases, bullies may have been bullied themselves either by a parent, co-worker, or classmate. Bullied children may experience anxiety, low self- esteem, difficulty sleeping, or bed wetting. Severe incidents of bullying have lead to suicide.”

Types of Bullying There are 4 types of bullying that occur in society on a regular basis. ▪Physical Bullying- This involves hitting, punching, kicking, spitting and damaging someone’s belongings ▪Verbal Bullying- This is when someone makes an insult, calling other individuals inappropriate names, uses abusive or sexual language. This is the most common form of bullying.

Continued... ▪Cyber Bullying- This occurs over electronic devices such as; internet, cell phones, , instant messaging or picture and video messaging. ▪Emotional- Occurs when someone spreads stories/rumors or when an individual gets excluded from social groups.

How serious is bullying? ▪ Bullying is never acceptable. It should not be considered “just apart of growing up.” Research and experience consistently show that bullying is a serious issue. Students who are bullied often deal with social anxiety, loneliness, physical illness, and low self-esteem. They can also develop phobias, take on aggressive behaviors, or slide into depression. The path is also rocky for those who choose to bully. Children and teens who learn to see aggression as power may stop caring about the difference between right and wrong, and eventually become abusive adults.

Do boys and girls bully in the same way? ▪ Both boys and girls can be bullied or bullies. Boys tend to bully physically, while girls use more indirect approaches, such as gossiping, or isolating the student from activities or groups. Boys are usually bullied by other boys, however girls are bullied by both boys and girls. ▪ Regardless of its form, bullying is unacceptable.

Anti- Bullying Video cqAbPOo

Way’s to Make Bullying Stop! Schools, families, and communities use a number of methods to stop bullying. School policies against bullying are more common, teachers and parents often intervene in specific disputes between bullies and victims. School assemblies can help to spread the word against bullying. Programs that emphasize self- esteem, conflict resolution, peer support, and group cooperation can make children less likely to be bullied or bully others. Parental supervision and open communication between children and trusted adults including teachers and counselors, can also help address bullying.

How Bullying can be dealt with... ▪Walk away from the situation. ▪Don't retaliate - don't hit back, don't talk, don't or text back. ▪Tell someone you trust. ▪Talk about it. ▪Find a friend. ▪Call a help line or visit deafult.asp.

Bullying Can NOT Be Stopped! ▪Many victims of bullying have difficulties expressing their feelings when bullies are constantly there. ▪This causes them to have lower self- esteem, become depressed and have difficulty adapting to society. ▪Because victims of bullying do not often stand up for themselves, they may become an easy target.

Why Victims of bullying don’t speak up... ▪Afraid of the consequences of telling someone and the bully finding out ▪People are unsure if whoever they tell will believe them

Cyber Bullying ▪Cyber bullying is one of the reason bullying cannot be stopped. ▪This is a secretive form of bullying that has become more noticed in society. ▪Many people being cyber bullied may not even realize they are being bullied, which causes them to not stand up for themselves.

Bullying in Society ▪Bullying had been apparent in society from the beginning of time. Spreading awareness has not improved this problem. ▪This is an ongoing negative conflict of society that reoccurs on a daily basis. This will never be able to be resolved in society. ▪There is absolutely no way to monitor bullies, or to know if an individual is being bullied

Our Opinion... ▪It is believed that bullying is a negative part of society, but it is something that will never be eliminated. ▪It is true that some of the organizations offered may help prevent bullying, but it has become a very secretive and emotional act. ▪Many bullied victims are too afraid to discuss their situation, which can in many cases be the causing factor of suicide. ▪We strongly believe that bullying should be eliminated, but in reality it is not possible

CLASS DISCUSSION