1. Bullying
In Middle School

2. What is Bullying? Bullying is a conscious, willful,
and deliberate hostile activity
intended to harm, induce fear
through the threat of further
aggression, and create terror.
(cited in Coloroso, 2003, 13-14)

3. Bigger Continue violence Bullies can be… controlling And Bullies …
Threatening
violent
More popular
stronger
Bigger
Verbally adept
controlling
older
Aggressive
intimidating
And Bullies …
Inflict emotional harm
Continue violence
Inflict physical pain
takes pleasure in witnessing the hurt

4. Bullying is
Scary
Dangerous

5. Bullying Hurts Everyone
Bullying Involves 3 People or Groups: The Bully The Victim The Bystanders The Group with the most power…

6. Types of Bullying Physical Bullying
Hitting, kicking, pushing, threatening, stealing, hiding someone’s belongings
Verbal Bullying
Name-calling, teasing, insulting, harassing
Relationship Bullying
Ignoring, isolating, refusing to talk to someone, spreading rumors & lies

7. 77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally, & physically
77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally, & physically.   Cyber bullying statistic are rapidly approaching similar numbers. Copyright

8. Causes of Bullying Bullying is a learned behavior, NOT a trait
Stress, Neglect
Reality vs. violent video games & television
Previous victim
40% of bullies have been bullied themselves
Immature social skills
Permissive parents, self-centered parents
Inconsistent discipline
Not learning empathy

9. Effects of Bullying Low self-esteem Shame Avoid school (absences)
Violence
Isolation
Suicide
Fear, anxiety, depression
…the effects of bullying last forever.
From Bullying! – Causes and Possible Solutions

10. Each day 160,000 students miss school for fear of being bullied
Each day 160,000 students miss school for fear of being bullied. Copyright ww.how-to-stop-bullying.com

11. Students Stop Bullying
Talk to an adult – it isn’t snitching
Be a leader
Get involved as a student advisor
Be a friend
Don’t be a bystander- say something
If it is safe, tell the bully to stop
Say something nice to the victim
Encourage the victim to talk to an adult

12. Peer Intervention helps more than adult intervention on the playground
Peer Intervention helps more than adult intervention on the playground. When adults intervene, 4% of bully situations stop, when peers intervene, 11% stop. Copyright

13. Bad Hitting Back Name Calling Arguing Yelling Crying Giving In
Reactions to Bullying
Bad Hitting Back Name Calling Arguing Yelling Crying Giving In
Good
Ignoring
Stay with friends
Make a joke
Avoid the bully
Change the subject
Report the danger

14. Parents of Bullies Talk to your child and be firm
Recognize that bullying is not a normal part of growing up.
Set Guidelines: stay away from the children being bullied, stay away from children you are bullying with, go directly to and from school, you will be supervised
Listen to teachers and communicate with teachers (it isn’t easy to hear that your child may be a bully).
From stop-bullies.com
From Bullying! – Causes and Possible Solutions

15. Parents of the Bullied Offer comfort and support
Praise your child for coming forward
Empathize with your child, not the bully
Contact the school or other parents
Work together

16. Parents Should Know The Warning Signs
Torn clothing
Anxiety
Insomnia
Stress
Headaches
Moodiness
Crying
Stomach aches
Teens are not always forthcoming,
so parents need to talk.

17. Parents Should Talk About Sex
When open communication about sex is already in place, teens are more likely to talk about bullying that involves sex.
If there is no precedent for talking about sex at home, teens are less likely to report sexual harassment.
Bullying that involves sex:
sexual harassment
rumors about sex.

18. Parents Should Promote Tolerance
Students are bullied for being different- race, gender, appearance, religion, sexual orientation, disability or being PERCEIVED as different.
75% of ALL teenagers report exposure to derogatory homophobic remarks.
With Parent support, teens are protected from suicide and mental illnesses.
Without parent support, teens are more likely to use drugs, be depressed or attempt suicide

19. Parents Should Help Explore Friendships
Friendships outside of school
Peer support lowers anxiety when students are bullied.
Friends: religious groups, music classes, Karate instruction, sports, art classes, etc

20. Parents Should Encourage Teens to have a Mentor
Teens do not always confide in their parents
Mentors provide
guidance
support
encouragement
Parents should be willing to let another adult into their child’s life without interfering

21. Parents Should Utilize the Internet
Countless valuable resources
Shows students “life” after bullying
Feel support from websites & videos
Students see effects can fade over time
Use of the internet should be supervised.

22. Parents Should Encourage Counseling
Bulling causes depression, anxiety, shame, isolation, & low self-esteem
Counseling Helps
- teaches healthy coping skills
- handle the effects
- creates a safe-environment
to talk & share thoughts
Parents: seek out counselors
Image from blogs.cbn.com

23. How Schools Stop Bullying
Establish a discipline plan
Have open communication between staff members
Track bullies centrally and monitor their behavior
Treat students fairly
Empower bystanders and allow anonymous reporting
Provide counseling as needed

24. More youth violence occurs on school grounds as opposed to on the way to school. Copyright

25. Resources