1. Bullying

2. Bullying Behavior
Most prevalent between ages of 8 and 14 (Olweus, 1993)
A bullying attempt takes place every seven minutes in the U.S. (Bullies Beware, 2000)
The average bullying attempt lasts 37 seconds (Bullies Beware, 2000)
Bullying relationships are often established by the sixth week of school (Bullies Beware, 2000)
Observed bully behavior is usually two or three levels below what actually occurred (Fried and Fried, 1996)

3. What Is Bullying?
A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one of more persons.

4. Imbalance of Power
BULLY
VICTIM

5. Direct and Indirect Bullying
Direct – Involves relatively open attacks on a victim
Indirect – Involves social isolation and/or exclusion

6. Continuum of Violence Shooting Stabbing Flashing a weapon
Hitting/kicking
Shoving/punching
Spitting/pushing
Intimidating/extorting
Stalking
Sexually harassing
Stealing
Damaging Property
Threatening
Taunting/ridiculing
Name-calling
Writing graffiti
Staring/leering
Gesturing
Starting rumors
Eye-rolling

7. Myths of Bullying Only boys bully. Once a bully, always a bully.
There’s more bullying at larger schools or in larger classes.
Bullying is a result of competition and the struggle to achieve good grades.

8. More Myths of Bullying
Students are usually victims of bullying because of outward deviations.
There is a connection between bullying others or being bullied and the family’s socioeconomic level.
Those who bully have low self-esteem.
Bullies are agitated and aggressive.

9. More Myths of Bullying
Standing up to a bully by fighting back will deter the behavior.
The best way to handle a bully is to avoid or ignore the problem.
Schoolyard bullies usually outgrow aggressiveness.

10. Create a Climate of Character
Aggressive behavior drops up to 50% when playgrounds are structured.
Organize games for large and groups, and teach kids games they can play alone.

11. Teach Tolerance
Children are more likely to learn if they’re included in the process of running the classroom and making decisions.

12. Teach Assertiveness…
Being Cool and in Control!
Hot = Aggressive (Thumbs Down)
Cold = Passive (Thumbs Down)
Cool = Assertive (Thumbs Up!)

13. Characteristics of Kids Who Don’t Bully and Aren’t Bullied
Don’t insist on own way
Flexible, entertain another agenda, no control issues
Willing to compromise
Able to apologize readily, easily, and naturally
Able to share and offer to share
Know how to change the topic
Have healthy self-esteem
Have a positive attitude and sense of humor

14. Anti-Bullying Checklist
The more of these components your school has, the easier it will be to implement an anti-bullying initiative.
Cooperative learning modeled
Peer mediation
Weekly classroom meetings
Active parent-teacher organization
Involvement in cluster meetings/feeder patterns
Ongoing training of staff, students, and parents
Committed to the program for 3-5 years
Part of a larger, comprehensive prevention/intervention plan
Support from:
Administration
At least 85% of staff
School counselor, psychologist, and social worker
Parents and community
Everyone open to change
Positive school climate
Staff cohesiveness and teaming focus
Active wellness team
Violence-prevention curriculum in all grades

15. Activity: A Storm is Coming!!!
In groups discuss your thoughts and brain storm
on the following :
1. One day a week set aside 30 minutes for open discussions
on bullying in the classrooms.
2. The students work together for ideas for a bully-free policy,
for a bully-free school.
3. Having a wall or area in each school where the art
department or some other affiliate with students
involved writes a motto or slogan on the wall.
4. Having thoughtful discussions on bullying as it occurs…
“Just how thoughtful, caring or respectful was that…how
do you think that made her feel?”
5. Working on connecting with all students; especially those
who are excluded.
6. Staff writing their own credo where they are promising to
be active, alert and involved in all students lives.
7. Any other ideas?