Raising Bullying Awareness AUHSD - Savanna High School

About 1 in 3 students are bullied each year in school Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, School Crime Supplement (SCS) to the National Crime Victimization Survey, Percentage of students who report being bullied at school age 12-18, by sex, 2007.

Bullying myth or fact? People who bully have power over those who bully? –Fact Spreading rumors is a form of bullying. –Fact Only boys bully. –Myth People who bully are insecure and have low self esteem –Myth Bullying usually occurs when there are no other students around –Myth Bullying is often resolved when you ignore it –Myth Source: stopbullying.gov

Bullying myth or fact? (cont.) All children outgrow bullying –Myth Reporting bullying makes it worse –Myth Teachers often intervene to stop bullying –Myth Parents are often aware that their children are bullying others –Myth Nothing can be done at schools to prevent bullying –Myth People are born bullies –Myth Source: stopbullying.gov

What bullying entails Imbalance of Power: –People who bully use their power (social or physical) to control or harm –People being bullied may have a difficult time defending themselves and are generally more reserved Intent to Cause Harm: –The person bullying has a goal to cause harm Repetition: –Bullying incidents typically occur to the same person, or victim, over and over by the same person or group

Types of Bullying Many forms of bullying exist, including: –Physical Bullying (shoving in hallways, pushing, fighting) –Verbal Bullying (name-calling, taunting/teasing) –Social Bullying (leaving someone out of the group, spreading rumors) –Racial/LGBT Bullying (harassing someone because of their race or sexual orientation) –Cyber Bullying (using internet or texting to bully- facebook, myspace, etc.)

How does bullying affect victims? Higher risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Lower self esteem Higher rates of missing and dropping out of school Higher risk for drug and/or alcohol abuse Higher rates of using extreme violence to retaliate against their perpetrators (i.e.,. Columbine, 1999) Decreased academic achievement, including: –Lower GPA –Lower test scores Higher risk of suicidal ideation –Adults who recalled being bullied were 3 times more likely to commit suicide than those who were not bullied

How does bullying affect bullies? Higher risk of being abusive toward romantic partners, spouses, or children when they become adults- domestic violence and child abuse More likely to get into fights and vandalize property More likely to engage in sexual activity earlier than those who do not bully More likely to have criminal convictions as adults than those who do not bully –60% of middle school bullies had a criminal conviction by age 24 High risk of abusing alcohol and other drugs as adolescents and adults

How victims can deal with bullying Be true to yourself –Do not blame yourself for being a target for bullying –Remember that we are all different and should be proud of who we are Do not be afraid to ask for help from an adult you trust –Ask a parent, teacher, principal, or counselor for assistance Tell the bully to stop, and do not be afraid to be assertive –If a bully does not stop, walk away –Protect yourself if you cannot walk away Stick together –Stay with a group or individuals that you trust Attempt to make new friends –Join a club at school

Additional Resources for Victims If you are still feeling unsafe at school after telling a teacher, have your parent contact the principal, or school superintendent. Counseling services- Western Youth Services – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: – TALK (8255) –It is there 24/7. It is free and confidential. The Trevor Project (For LGBT Bullying): –The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LBGT teens and young adults by providing resources and a nationwide, 24-hour hotline. If you are considering suicide or need help, call – U-TREVOR

Questions?

References Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Test your bullying. Retrieved from index.html Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). How to deal with being bullied. Retrieved from US National Center for Education Statistics. (2007). Percent of Public Schools Reporting Selected Types of Disciplinary Problems Occurring at School by Selected School Characteristics: 2005 to Retrieved from