Bullying Prevention Bullying is An imbalance of power

Bullying Prevention

Bullying is • An imbalance of power • Repeated harassment and attacks on others • Involves unwanted, negative actions

Bullying Can Take on Many Forms • • • Physical Violence Verbal taunts, name-calling, and put-downs Threats and intimidation Stealing money and/or possessions Spreading rumors Harassment via technology (email, text messaging, etc…)

Cyberbullying is • Spreading rumors about another person through instant messaging or text messaging • Threatening someone on a web log or blog • Creating hurtful websites against someone • Using Facebook, Myspace, or another internet application to threaten or spread rumors about another person

Why are some people bullied? • • Gender identity Sexual orientation Intellect Socio-economic background Cultural or religious background Boys are more likely to be bullied physically Girls are more likely to be bullied socially

What to do if you witness Bullying? • • • Tell the bully to stop Help the victim walk away Recruit friends to help the victim Befriend the victim Get an adult

What to do if you are Bullied? • • Tell an adult on campus Tell your parent Talk it out Walk away/Avoid the bully Distract the bully with a joke Stand up to the bully Hang out with friends

Truman rules against bullying • • Students will not bully others Students will try to help people who are bullied Students will include others in activities Students will tell an adult if someone is being bullied

Why isn’t “fighting back” an option? • • Physical injuries as a result of a fight Possible Suspension or other consequences Increased bullying/retaliation Belief that violence is an acceptable way to deal with problems

How can we help stop bullying? Kindness Challenge: Today and everyday, we challenge you to 1. Be kind to others 2. Do something nice for someone else 3. Compliment someone 4. Say Hello to someone you don’t know

Who can contact? 1. You can file an incident report in the office. 2. Let an adult know-teacher, custodian, counselor, office, parent, etc.