BullyingHarassment Definition of a Bully n A blustering

Bullying/Harassment

Definition of a Bully n A blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

Definition of Harassment n To disturb persistently; torment, as with troubles or cares; bother continually; pester; persecute.

Prevalence in America n The National Youth Violence Prevention Center Reports the following facts Almost 30% of youth in the United States (or over 5. 7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, or a target of bullying Students in grades 6 -10 13% reported bullying others 11% reported being the target of bullies 6% said that they bullied others and were bullied themselves.

Famous Bullies

Types of Bullying/Harassment n Physical n Verbal n Intimidation n Social Alienation

Physical Aggression n n n Pushing Shoving Spitting Kicking Hitting Defacing Property Stealing n n Threatening with a weapon Locking in a closed or confined space

Verbal Aggression n n n Mocking Name-Calling Dirty Looks Taunting Teasing about clothing or possessions Teasing about appearance Verbal threats of violence

Intimidation n n Threatening to reveal personal information Graffiti Publicly challenging to do something Defacing property or clothing

Social Alienation n n n Gossiping Embarrassing Setting up to look foolish Spreading rumors Ethnic Slurs Excluding from the group

Effects on Bullying Victims n Academic n Health Problems n Adjustment Problems

Academic Effects on Bullying Victims n School avoidance, Truancy n Lowered grades and reduced learning n Lowered self-esteem

Health Effects on Bullying Victims n n n n Loss of appetite Nervousness Frequent trips to the nurse Stomachaches Vomiting Depression Headaches Loss of sleep

Adjustment Problems of Bullying Victims n n n Emotional Distress Anxiety Depression Lowered Self Esteem Homicidal/Suicidal Ideas Loneliness

How to Report a Bully n For Victims Report the incident to a teacher, counselor or principal. n Your name should be kept confidential n Write down what was done and said to you and how you responded. (Bullies will often try to shift the blame) n Make a list of witnesses. n

How to Report a Bully n For Bystanders Intervene in the situation. (Tell the bully to stop and confront the victim) n Stand up to the bully and support the victim. n Report the incident to a teacher, counselor or principal. n Write down what was done and said to the victim. n Make a list of witnesses. n Your name should be kept confidential. n

“BULLIES PREVAIL WHEN GOOD PEOPLE STAND BACK AND DO NOTHING”

Strategies to Stay Bully Free n n n n Avoid where they hang out Act and look Confident Tell friends/adults Be Assertive Stay Calm Walk Away Use Humor Travel in a Group n Say Things Such As “Stop It” “Whatever” “ I don’t like to be treated this way”