Bystander Intervention in Middle Schools

Juliette VerrengiaFutures Without Violence

August 4th, 2015

Overview

• Why Middle School?• Bystander Intervention• Green Dot• Implementation• Practical Application

Why Middle School?:The Importance of Early Education

Development

• Social and psychological development– Erikson’s psychosocial developmental stages• Identity vs. Role Confusion

• Time of transition• Brain malleability – Huge amount of growth • Synaptic restructuring • Structure

• Good time for new information

Relevancy

• Prevention• Middle schoolers are dating – 75% of students surveyed had a relationship

• Harmful attitudes are present – Stereotypes and pressure to conform – Harassment • Almost 49% of students reported being a victim of

sexual harassment

– Social Media

Bullying and Sexual Assault

• Bullying encompasses many behaviors • Verbal harassment – Social media/anonymous – Rumors – Jokes/comments

• Acknowledgement of issue

Bystander Intervention: A Means of Prevention

What is Bystander Intervention?

• Bystanders are observers/witnesses to a situation

• Choice• Why wouldn’t someone intervene?– Fear/insecurity/confusion– Social pressure (conformity)

– Diffusion of responsibility – Cost vs. reward – Unsafe climate/not a brave space

Green Dot

What’s With the Green Dot?

• Green Dot, Etc.• Preventing IPV and GBV – No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do

something– The Three D’s: Direct, Distract, Delegate– 50% reduction in sexual violence perpetration (KT)

“The power of Green Dot is simple: Red dots bad. Green dots good. You decide.”

Green Dot and Conn Coll• DOJ grant in 2000 • Partnership with athletics – Other connections throughout campus• Academics

• Think S.A.F.E. Office– Peer education

Implementation: Middle School Specifics

The Challenge

• Disconnect between contemplation and action• Intervention rates lessen around 5th and 6th

grade• Homophobia as root cause– Efforts to solidify and display heterosexuality – Sexual assault

How To

• Need community buy-in – Parents, teachers, administrators, coaches, etc. – Advertise as a way to prevent bullying and sexual

harassment • Community climate • Implement as…– Sexual education/health class– After school program– Elective

How To (cont’d)

• Desire to participate– You can’t force bystander intervention• Engage students with social capital to start

– Athletics – Student leaders

• Trainer should be internal

Practical Application: Why?

Next Steps

• After school programs – High participation rates – Interaction with college students

• Incorporating new priorities– Focusing on socio-emotional wellbeing – Build momentum – High school

Questions?