Bullying Vs. Harassment When a student is bullied they are repeatedly exposed over a period of time to intentional negative actions on the part of one or more students. Their ability to participate in and /or benefit from educational activities is usually adversely affected. Bullying actions cause harm from their repetitive negative conduct and through inclusion in a relationship with an imbalance of power. Harassment occurs when a student experiences discomfort with identity issues in regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion or other identifying characteristics. Harassment also interferes with the student’s ability to participate in and / or benefit from educational activities. Harassment causes harm from its discriminatory conduct that is pervasive or severe.

Bullying… Usually has three common features: It is a deliberate, hurtful behavior It is repeated It is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves

There are three main types of bullying: Physical; hitting, kicking, taking belongings Verbal; name-calling, insulting, racist remarks Indirect / Emotional; spreading nasty stories, excluding from groups

Bullies Are often attention seekers. Will establish their power base by testing the response of the less powerful members of the group, watching how they react when small things happen. Find out how the teacher reacts to minor transgressions of the rules and wait to see if the ‘victim’ will complain. It is important that teachers are vigilant and consistent. Bully because they believe they are popular and have the support of the others. Keep bullying because they incorrectly think the behavior is exciting and makes them popular. If there are no consequences to the bad behavior; if the victim does not complain, and/or if the peer group silently or actively colludes, the bully will continue the behavior.

If there are no consequences to the bullying behavior; if the victim does not complain, and if the peer group silently or actively colludes, the bully will continue with the behavior.

Victims Often have poor social skills. Lack the confidence to seek help. Don’t have the support of the teacher or classmates who find them unappealing. Blame themselves and believe it is their own fault. Are desperate to ‘fit in’.

The victim’s view is very often reinforced by the attitude of adults in their lives. It is highly unlikely that they will seek help.

Bystanders Most students (80%) are not actively involved in bullying. They neither bully nor are victims. They know it’s wrong but unless they are asked for help, or are made to feel they have a responsibility or duty to act, they will silently collude with the abuse.

Activities to Use in the Classroom: Brainstorm what bullying looks like, feels like and sounds like. Brainstorm what being a victim looks like, feels like, and sounds like. Brainstorm what being a bystander (witness) looks like, feels like, and sounds like. Choose a story or selection from literature that depicts bullying and read it aloud. Have the students identify the bully, victim, and any bystanders found in the selection. Discuss: What the victim might do to handle the situation. Why the bully is doing the bullying. How the bystanders could help the victim.

Bullies Intend to hurt their victims Want power Victims Have difficulty standing up for themselves Are made to feel different/like they do not fit in Suffer when teased Bystanders Observe bullying acts Make up the majority Have the POWER to help prevent bullying

Group Activity Read selections from literature that identify various ways that characters have handled bullying. Identify what worked or did not work well for characters. Open discussion on why things went well or why they did not. Divide students into groups. Have one group discuss things that bullies can do to stop bullying. Another group discusses things that victims can do to help themselves. A third group discusses how bystanders can help prevent bullying when they see it happening. Have the groups share.

Effective Strategies to Help the Victim: Get help from an adult as soon as possible. Get help from peers. Be assertive- tell the bully to stop the behavior. Try avoidance- avoid the bully or areas where the bullying takes place. Use humor.

Wrinkled Wanda Activity