What Is Bullying?

Bullying Is . . .

An unhealthy situation in which a student or

group of students is using superior size, power,

or status with the intention to intimidate or dominate a vulnerable student or group of

students.

Intent to do harm Imbalance of power Repeated harmful behavior

Bullying Is . . .

Normal?

NO IT ISN’T!

Dealing with conflict is a healthy, normal part of life. Being threatened,

intimidated, or victimized (bullied) is not healthy or normal.

Types of Bullying:

Relational Aggression/Social Bullying

Physical Verbal Cyber

Relational AggressionorSocial Bullying

Manipulating someone Gossiping Spreading rumors Leaving others out/excluding others Refusing to speak to a friend

Physical Bullying

Pushing Hitting Kicking Tripping Knocking down books

Verbal Bullying

Teasing Name calling Put-downs Threats Mocking Racial comments

Cyber Bullying

Texting – words or pictures Posting on websites – words or

pictures Name calling in chat rooms Posting fake profiles Threatening via the internet or

phone

Teasing vs. Bullying

Good-Natured Teasing

Hurtful Teasing

Playful between BOTH people.

Angry body language.

Uses a friendly tone. Uses angry tone.

Encourages friendships. Continues even when distress is evident.

Doesn’t lead to physical confrontations.

Continues even when the topic is upsetting to

others.

Not serious. Serious with the intent to harm.

Sometimes lightens a tense moment.

Accompanied by “showing off.”

Think Before You “Tease”

Is the teasing about…

• Identity?

• Appearance?

• Ability?

• Social Status?

• Inappropriate Content?

If yes to any of these, it may be best to not say anything at all.

You Decide #1Joking?

Teasing?Bullying?

On Monday afternoon, Rob used his recess time to hang campaign posters around the school, which read, “Vote Rob for Student Council President.” On Tuesday morning in homeroom, Rob found one of his posters taped to the blackboard in the front of the classroom. Someone had crossed out the word, “President,” and replaced it with “First Lady.” One of Rob’s classmates pointed to a girl in the first row, indicating that Maria had altered the poster. Rob glared at her as he tore down the poster. “It’s just a joke,” Maria laughed. “Lighten up - I’m gonna vote for you.”

You Decide #2Joking?

Teasing?Bullying?

For years, Angel has made fun of his best friend, Dave’s, peanut butter obsession. “You’d eat my gym sock if it was covered in peanut butter,” he once told Dave. One day in science lab, the students designed mazes to test the intelligence of white mice. When the teacher told the class that they would be baiting the mazes with peanut butter, Angel called out, “Better be careful - Dave might get to the end of the maze before the mice!” The other students broke out in laughter.

You Decide #3Joking?

Teasing?Bullying?

Sonia recently moved to Lincoln Heights and just finished her first week at the local middle school. At 5 ft 8 in, she towered over most of the students in her 7th grade class. While looking for a place to sit, another student called to her, “Hey, shorty, there’s a spot over here!” Sonia paused for a moment and another girl from the group waved her over. “Don’t pay attention to her,” she told Sonia. “That’s just the way we talk to each other. They call me Einstein because I got all C’s on my last report card.”

Bullying: What Can I Do?

Roles of Bullying

Bully

Target

Active Bystander

Passive Bystander

Active vs. Passive Bystander

There are no innocent bystanders!

• Their actions can encourage bullying (ex: laughing) – active• Bully’s “sidekick” - active• Their actions can be seen as giving

permission to bully (ex: not objecting or ignoring) - passive• It’s OK to tell!

Who do you tell?

Any adult you trust Make sure adults at school know!

What to do if . . . You are the BULLY STOP!

Think before you act – how would you feel?

Apologize to those you’ve hurt.

Seek help from a trusted adult.

What to do if . . . you are the TARGET

Find an adult you trust & talk to them.

Confront the person, if you feel safe. (assertive not aggressive)

Find other friends.

Motto: Stand firm. Stay calm.

Choice Comeback:Bully: “I heard you still suck

your thumb.”

Strong Boy: “Do you believe it?”

Bully: “Yes.”

Strong Boy: “You can believe it if you want.”

STRONG BOYBULLY BLOCKER #1STRONG BOYBULLY BLOCKER #1

THE JOINERBULLY BLOCKER #2THE JOINERBULLY BLOCKER #2

Motto: Find your people.

Choice Comeback:Bully: “Hey Shrimp, you’re too

puny to play football with us.”

The Joiner: “That’s okay. I’d rather play soccer with my team anyway.”

PAL GALBULLY BLOCKER #3

PAL GALBULLY BLOCKER #3

Motto: Turn bullies into buddies. Be confident but kind.

Choice Comeback:Bully: “Hey, didn’t you wear that dress on Tuesday, too? Is that your only dress or what?!”Pal Gal: “That’s pretty funny! This is my favorite dress, but today I’m wearing it with my friendship bracelets. Want me to show you how to make one?”

FUNNY GIRLBULLY BLOCKER #4

FUNNY GIRLBULLY BLOCKER #4Motto: Make ‘em laugh.

Choice Comeback:Bully: “What’s with those

ugly sneakers? Didja get them at a yard sale?”

Funny Girl: “You think these are bad, you should see the bunny slippers my dad wears!”

MR. DEFLECTORBULLY BLOCKER #5

MR. DEFLECTORBULLY BLOCKER #5

Motto: Acknowledge their point. Then change the subject.

Choice Comeback:Bully: “Hey spazz boy, you couldn’t make a basket to save your life!”Mr. Deflector: “You think I need to work on my shot? Maybe so. Hey, did you see Lebron scored 40 points last night? Awesome!”

What to do if . . . you are a BYSTANDERSAY SOMETHING!

to the person being teased to the bully to an adult you trust to your friends so they know you don’t

tolerate bullying

Don’t join in.