Misconceptions Lead To

• Vandalism

• Stealing

• Alcohol and drugs

• Violent crimes

• Depression

• Withdrawal

Bullying Defined

• The deliberate and repeated infliction of physical, verbal or emotional abuse intended to harm others

Forms of Bullying

• Physical

• Verbal

• Emotional or social

• Cyber

Physical Bullying

• Hitting

• Kicking

• Spitting

• Pushing

• Taking money or personal belongings

Verbal Bullying

• Taunting

• Malicious teasing

• Name-calling

• Making threats

Emotional or Social Bullying

• Spreading rumors

• Manipulating social relationships

• Engaging in social exclusion

• Extortion

• Intimidation

Cyber Bullying

• Form of emotional or social bullying

• Insults / threats via emails

• Instant messaging

• Chat rooms

• Text messaging

• On-line diaries or blogs

Who, When and Where

• Involves males more than females

• Begins in elementary grades

• Takes place in & around school

• Often witnessed by peers

Assessing the Current Program

• Restructure environment

• Increase supervision

• Promote interpersonal skills

• Curriculum-based anti-bullying programs

• Cell phone and internet use

Is That Kid Being Bullied?

• Child most likely won’t tell

• Child feels ashamed

• Look for behavioral signs

• Trust your instincts

Bullies

• Control others

• Lack empathy

• May be popular

• Associate with like children

Targets

• Reluctance to go to school

• Ripped or missing belongings

• Decreased success in class

• Unexplained bruises or injuries

• Lowered self-esteem

Dealing with a Target

• Talk in private

• Assure child you view bullying as serious

• Counsel child on ways to avoid being bullied

• Reassure child preventative steps will be taken

Dealing with a Bully

• Talk in private

• Remind child about the rules

• Explain why child’s behavior was unacceptable

• State what behavior is expected

Witnessing Bullying

• Stand between the children

• State what you saw / heard

• Explain rules and consequences

• Talk with witnesses separately

• Inform other staff members

Parents

• Contact immediately

• Explain school’s concerns

• Be supportive and non-judgmental

• Plans for monitoring and resolving

• Ask for input

• Offer to update

Remember

• Bullying is a learned behavior

• Developed over a long period of time

• Takes time to fix

• Bullying is the responsibility of the bully