WEAKFISH If we go to the ocean and observe a large school of small fish, they may appear to us to be simply a large school of small fish. The fish appear to us as wonders of nature and the world around us as they make their way through the sea. In the same ocean, we may also see certain predatory fish, like the barracuda. However, the barracuda does not see as we do a large school of small fish. Instead, to the barracuda, certain specific fish within the school immediately stand out. While we observe the school of fish as a whole, the barracuda sees only the weakfish. The barracuda has the ability to quickly spot those fish that appear to be weaker, and the barracuda will attack these weakfish because they are easy prey. They appear weaker because they swim a little differently, act uniquely in some other subtle fashion or exhibit some other difference that sets them apart from the other fish.

A bully is….. when one child targets another child over and over again in a negative way. This negative way can include fighting, malicious gossiping, or spreading rumors. The child doing the bullying always picks on children who can’t or won’t defend himself or herself or one that always loses in a fight or verbal battle.

What causes some people to turn into bullies? - Research shows that children with aggressive or impulsive personalities are more likely to turn into bullies. - Environmental factors can also influence bullying such as poor adult supervision in schools and communities. - A child’s home environment is another factor. Young people who spend many unsupervised hours watching violent TV programs are more likely to practice such behavior in their lives. -Exposure to real violence is also a factor in bullying. Research shows that victims of bullies often become bullies themselves. At one time, these children learned that the best way to protect themselves is to be mean to others. A bully’s behavior is not so much a sign of strength as it is a sign of hurt, insecurity, worry, or fear.

What are some examples of bullying? · Physical intimidation (used mostly by boys) pushing, tripping, hitting · Verbal abuse (used mostly by girls) laughing, mocking, gossiping, teasing, insulting, lying, name-calling

What is the real tragedy for the bully? -Bullies start out as smart as other students, but by grade six, because they use aggression to solve all issues, they start to fall behind in school. As a result: -They drop out of school in higher numbers. -They have more suspensions and detentions. -They lose friends steadily as they move up through grades.

-Lose more jobs. -Have more run-ins with the law. -60% of identified bullies in second grade were convicted of a felony by age 24. -If overly aggressive at age 8, less likely to complete college. -Abuse other family members, especially wives, -Have a higher rate of alcoholism and drug addiction -Have more health problems

: -Have more out of marriage pregnancies -Lose more jobs -Have fewer friends -Become less and less popular throughout school -Have more health problems

How are bullies eventually victimized? · 95% of bullies have average to above average intelligence but never go to college. · 70% of bullies end up having served time in jail by age 25 Bullies are … · 200% more likely than an average person to abuse their own children · 300% more likely than an average person to abuse their own spouse · 300% more likely than an average person to have substance abuse problems · 400% more likely than an average person to have a multiple divorce situation · 85% less likely to be promoted into leadership positions in their lifetime jobs.

1. Bullies will have more jobs than the average person in a lifetime. This is much more likely to be a result of dismissal from jobs because of personality issues and harassment complaints. 2. Bullies will have exceptionally high dropout rates from high schools. 3. Bullies will have poorer test scores after 3 rd grade and these scores continue a tendency of downward trend throughout school.

What should you do if you have noticed bullying behaviors in yourself?  Learn to watch your behavior Practice self-reflection  Remain silent or walk away when you see an easy target  Talk to a trusted adult  Seek other help from a teacher or counselor  Get active in sports, clubs, hobbies to gain experience and skills that will make you feel better about yourself  Apologize  Become an anti-bully by practicing kindness

What should you do if you find yourself being the victim of a bully? · -Tell someone (like a trusted adult) about your experience · -Try to blend in with others · -Tell a school official · - Get active in safe havens like school clubs, sports, and organizations where bullies are less likely to attack. -Use specific responses to deal with the bully- laughing along, changing the subject, being agreeable, being assertive, or giving the bully a comeback

What should you do if you witness a bullying episode? · Refuse to join in · Walk away when bullies are acting up · Distract the bully so he or she stops the bullying behavior · Report any bullying you see · Speak out · Stand beside the bully’s target · Work with others to reduce bullying

What are the rewards of respecting yourself and other people? · Developing effective social skills and habits · Making other people feel good · Earning the respect of others · Establishing good relationships · Being treated better by other people · Improving your feelings of self worth Building a solid reputation

IT REALLY COUNTS. WE MAY ALL BE DIFFERENT IN OUR OWN WAYS BUT WHAT WE ALL SHARE IS HUMANITY. BEING KIND TO ONE ANOTHER IS A WAY TO RECOGNIZE THAT OUR SHARED HUMANITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AMONG US.