What is bullying?

"Bullying (per IC 20-33-8-.2) means overt, unwanted, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications or images transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically), physical acts committed, aggression, or any other behaviors, that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other targeted student and create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment.” Just read.. Mandatory

Bullying Fact or Myth Hand out red and green slips at this point. Red= myth green=fact

Nothing can be done at school to reduce bullying Read, give 20 seconds give chance to hold up paper

School initiatives to prevent and stop bullying have reduced bullying from 15 to 50%. The entire school community of teachers, staff, parents, students and community members should be involved in trying to stop bullying. Myth Talk about how nothing can be done if we don’t know about it.

Spreading rumors is a form of bullying

Spreading rumors, name calling, excluding others and embarrassing them are all forms of social bullying that can cause serious and lasting harm Fact This is very common right now! Emphasize how this IS bullying.

Bullying often resolves itself when you ignore it

Bullying can happen again and again Bullying can happen again and again. Ignoring the bullying teaches students who bully that they can bully others without consequences. Adults and other students need to stand up for children who are bullied, and to ensure they are protected and safe. Myth If the students do not feel safe saying anything to the bully, tell an adult!

Bullying usually occurs when there are no other students around

Students see about four out of every five bullying incidents at school Students see about four out of every five bullying incidents at school. In fact, when they witness bullying, they give the student who is bullying positive attention or even join in about three-quarters of the time. Myth Bystander effect- it just takes that one person to stand up. Do not assume someone else will say something. Joining in is often a way to stay safe, but it can be very harmful to the person being bullied and make you feel bad.

Teachers often intervene to stop bullying

Adults often do not witness bullying, therefore it is up to the students to let a teacher or an adult know it is happening. Myth Question: who are specific people they can go to at school?

Reporting bullying will make the situation worse

Research shows that children who report bullying to an adult are less likely to experience bullying in the future. Myth Reporting bullying is a good way to keep self and others safe.

Only Boys Bully

People think that physical bullying by boys is the most common form of bullying. However, verbal, social and physical bullying happens among both boys and girls. Myth Read and state we will talk about the different forms more in a bit.

There is just one type of bullying

There are several types of bullying including: Physical Bullying Verbal Bullying Relational Bullying Reactive Bullying Cyberbullying Myth

Physical Bullying Physical bullies use force and body strength to overpower their victims. Physical bullying can include kicking, hitting, punching, or other physical attacks. This type of bullying is easier to observe than others.

Verbal bullies intimidate and harm their victims using words. Verbal bullying includes the use of insults and teasing and may include making fun of a peer’s lack of physical capabilities, appearance, etc. This type of bullying may go unnoticed and unreported for long periods of time. Verbal Bullying

Relational Bullying Relational bullies work to damage a victim’s social status and relationships. Relational bullying is common among girls, especially teen girls. Bullies who practice relational bullying often do it to increase their own social standing or to control others. This type of bullying may go on for some time before an adult notices. This is sometimes referred to as “Mean Girls.”

Reactive Bullying Reactive bullies coax others into harming them. It is often unclear who the true bully is. A reactive bully incessantly taunts a peer until the peer snaps and reacts with physical or verbal aggression. Reactive bullying may be the most difficult type of bullying to identify. This is because the reactive bullies also tend to be victims of bullying as well.

Cyberbullies use electronic forums, such as email, cell phones, and social networking sites, to harass their victims. Cyberbullying allows the bully to remain anonymous. It is easier to bully in cyberspace than it is to bully face to face. Over 25% of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet. Cyberbullying

What can our school do to take a stand against bullying?