Preventing Violence

I. Violence Any physical force used to harm people or damage property. Any physical force used to harm people or damage property.

II. Factors that lead to conflict between teens Feeling threatened. Feeling threatened. Unmanaged anger Unmanaged anger Lack of respect (for self and others) Lack of respect (for self and others) Bullying Bullying Gangs Gangs

III. Avoiding dangerous situations 1. Recognize the signs 2. Calm things down 3. Offer alternatives 4. Leave the situation

IV. Bullying A person or group of people repeatedly trying to harm someone who is weaker or vulnerable. A person or group of people repeatedly trying to harm someone who is weaker or vulnerable.

V. Bullying Behaviors Direct Attacks: Hitting Hitting Threatening Threatening Intimidating Intimidating Maliciously Teasing Maliciously Teasing Taunting Taunting Name-Calling Name-Calling Sexual Remarks Sexual Remarks Damaging Belongings Damaging Belongings Indirect Attacks: Spreading Rumors Spreading Rumors Encouraging others to reject or exclude someone Encouraging others to reject or exclude someone Cyber bullying Cyber bullying s Instant messages Myspace Text Messaging

VI. Characteristics of Bullies Like to dominate others Like to dominate others Self-Centered Self-Centered Poor social skills Poor social skills Poor social judgment Poor social judgment Insecure Insecure Poor Self-Esteem Poor Self-Esteem Victims of bullying Victims of bullying

VII. Effects of Bullying Stress Stress Decreased self-esteem Decreased self-esteem Decreased feelings of self-worth Decreased feelings of self-worth Anxiety Anxiety Withdrawal Withdrawal Insecurity Insecurity Depression Depression

VIII. Action Steps If you are being bullied: 1. Talk to your parents or trusted adults. 2. Don’t blame yourself 3. Act confident, hold your head up, make eye contact, and walk confidently 4. Try to make friends with other students 5. Avoid situations where bullying can happen 6. Take steps to rebuild your self-confidence 7. Do not resort to violence or carry a gun or other weapon.

IX. Conflict Resolution Nonviolent way to deal with a disagreement. Nonviolent way to deal with a disagreement.

X. DESC method of conflict resolution. D escribe the situation D escribe the situation What is bothering you? What is bothering you? E xpress your feelings E xpress your feelings How does the situation make you feel? How does the situation make you feel? Use “I” messages Use “I” messages S pecify what you would like to happen. S pecify what you would like to happen. Tell person what you would prefer. Tell person what you would prefer. C onsequences C onsequences Positive possible outcomes caused by change. Positive possible outcomes caused by change.