Bullying in Today’s Schools

By Cari Mailloux

Bullying: A Basic Definition“ A person is bullied when he or

she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.”

- Dan Olweus

Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do

Common FeaturesBullying is a serious problem that

affects ALL public and private schools today.

It can take many forms but usually includes 3 basic components:

an imbalance of power the intent to cause harm repetition

Types of Bullying Seen in SchoolsVerbal- name-calling, teasingSocial- spreading rumors,

excluding people purposely, breaking up friendships

Physical- hitting, punching, shoving

Cyberbullying- using the internet, cell phones, and other digital technology to harm others

Warning Signs: Being Bullied Unexplained injuriesDamaged or missing clothing

and/or belongingsChanges in eating habitsLoss of interest in visiting or

talking with friendsFeelings of helplessness, anxiety,

and/or depressionTrouble sleeping or bad dreams

Warning Signs: Bullying Others

Gets into physical or verbal fights with others

Quick to place blame othersBecomes increasingly violent

with othersNeeds to win or be best at

everythingDoes not accept responsibility for

their actionsHas friends who bully others

Who is at risk?

Students that are at a higher risk for being bullying victims are those that exhibit one or more of the following:

Do not get along well with othersAre less popular than othersHave few or no friendsDo not conform to gender normsHave low self-esteemAre depressed or anxious

Schools with Bullying IssuesA school with significant bullying

issues creates a climate where students exhibit:

Fear, disrespect, and insecurityDifficulty learning and dislike for

schoolA perception that teachers and

staff have little control and lack caring.

What A Bully-Free School Looks Like:

Consistent Immediate action in response to bullying

Support for victimsSafe rooms/ Isolation

rooms for persons involved

Confidence Building programs

Behavior Intervention Programs

Peer Mediation Programs

Creating a Bully-Free School: Creating a bully-free school

involves cooperation and collaboration from everyone involved in students’ lives, not just their teachers.

It takes participation such as:1. Entire staff awareness and

involvement in program development

2. Parent and caregiver involvement in program meetings

Creating a Bully-Free School continued…

3. Advice and informational pamphlets for community members.

4. Anti-bullying education integrated into student curriculum

*examples: lessons taught in health and wellness classes; school-wide anti-bullying awareness days; student-created posters etc.

What Teachers Can Do:Participate in Civil Rights and

Anti Bullying Training and learn proper response methods.

Follow clearly defined procedures and guidelines when bullying is discovered.

Integrate bullying awareness into existing curriculums; raise awareness through everyday teaching lessons.

What Teachers Can Do continued…Notice when a student is

behaving differently, becomes isolated, or increasingly sad.

Do not dismiss behavior as part of growing up or “part being a kid”.

Work with bullying victims and bullies to stop the behavior.

Stopping Bullying is Everyone’s Responsibility!

Resources and Websites:www.educationworld.com/a_speci

al/bully.shtmlwww.nobully.orgwww.olweus.org/public/bullying.p

agewww.stopbullying.govwww.stopbullyingnow.com