BULLYING IN THE SCHOOLS

Definitions: “Approximately 10 to 15% of students experience bullying severe enough that they suffer psychological harm” – Hoover  Bullying: Acts of aggression, physical or emotional, that harass a weaker individual.  Weaker can mean physically, emotionally, or socially. Victims usually lack psychological resources to handle to their bullies.  “The majority of school bullying is not overt violence; rather, it is covert psychological warfare. It comes in the form of social ridicule, psychological intimidations, and group rejection.” – Brendtro  Specifically can be name calling, excluding, rumor spreading, dirty looks, mocking, demeaning notes or pictures, or pushing or physical aggression

Myths: “There is a tendency for teachers to underestimate bullying as a problem and to dismiss most bullying incidents as ‘trivial’ and not worth ‘making much fuss’ about.” – Mark Borg  Bullies suffer from low self-esteem  Bullying is natural part of growing up  Bullying 'toughens up' the victim  The victim asks for it with his behavior  Larger classes increase the occurrence of bullying  It is not the teacher's responsibility

Effects on Bullies: Bullies identified by 8 years of age are six times more likely to be convicted of crimes as young adults and re five times more likely to have serious criminal records by the age of 30.  Higher percentages of bullies become involved in crime  May lead to domestic violence  Lack self-control and have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships or social interactions  Higher rates of delinquency or alcohol abuse  Poor academic performance

Effects on Victims: 8% of bully victims state that they have tried to commit suicide, run away, refused to go to school, or been chronically ill.  Suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and fear  Other symptoms may include: insomnia, intense headaches/stomachaches, or bed-wetting.  Suffer from low-self esteem into their adult years  Violent retaliation  Poor academic performance

Ways Schools Can Help: Schools which put more time and effort into anti-bullying measures, and which consulted widely in whole school policy development, had the best outcomes in reducing incidents of bullying.  School Wide Programs that contain -consistent discipline plans for bullying -the support of the teachers -cooperation with the parents -appropriate discipline techniques -assertiveness training for victims -methods of teaching empathy  Educate Teachers  Character Education  Create caring and nurturing school environments  Peer Mediation  Mentoring  Involve Students

Ways Teachers Can Help: "Educators must raise their expectations and demand responsibility instead of merely obedience." - Larry Brendtro  Cooperative learning -reduce cliques -offer students a chance to work with different students -teaches students respect  Teach social skills and coping strategies to victims  Support and get to know victims  Pair more social students to befriend other students  Allow students to be involved in the rule making  Set up disciplinary actions for peer cruelty  Create caring environments  Bibliotherapy