Kenwood Academy Bullying

What is Bullying? Definition

A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons

– Imbalance of power

– Repeated actions– Intentional

Actions

Types– Physical aggression

(hitting, bumping)– Social aggression (sexting,

facebook)– Verbal aggression (singing

songs with hurtful lyrics)– Written aggression

(sexting; cyberbullying)– Sexual harassment

(sexting, bumping)– Racial & cultural

harassment (harrassing someone because of their sexual orientation)

Reasons why students bully others

• To gain power• To gain popularity and attention• To act out problems from home• To copy what someone else does that

they admire• They perceive it as fun• They have low self-esteem

(sometimes)

Boys vs. GirlsTactics

Boy• Name calling• Physical attacks

– Pushing– Shoving

• Extortion (money, belongings)

• Defacing victim’s property

• Repeated physical attacks

• Inappropriate sexual behavior

Girl

• Physical attacks– Pushing– Shoving

• Name calling• Isolating the victim• Spreading false rumors

Consequences of Bullying

THE BULLY• Fights• Theft• Vandalism• Bullies are also 5 to 6

times more likely to have serious criminal records by young adulthood

THE VICTIM• Experience physical and

psychological damage• Cut school for fear of being

bullied • Experience depression, poor

self-esteem, and other mental health problems as adults

• Fear of using school property (bus, restrooms, and locker rooms)

• Drop out of school• Change schools• Attempt suicide • Seek revenge

Take a STAND•Assert Yourself – make assertive statements to the bully addressing your feelings about the bullying behavior.•Stop rumors•Humor: Use humor to de-escalate•Avoid: (PBW) walk away •Don’t pass on a hurtful note or text•Speak up to a bully: “We don’t do that here”•Ask someone new to join you at lunch•Say “hi” to a new student or someone you don’t know very well•Include someone new in one of your activities•Join up with someone who is being bothered and take them out of the situation•Seek help or let adults know when someone needs help