What is Bullying?

"This information is information has been reposted due to a very high level of IMPORTANCE."

Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase children have to go through, it is not "just messing around", and it is not something to grow out of. Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm.

Although definitions of bullying vary, most agree that bullying involves:

• Imbalance of Power: people who bully use their power to control or harm and the people being bullied may have a hard time defending themselves
• Intent to Cause Harm: actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm
• Repetition: incidents of bullying happen to the same the person over and over by the same person or group

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms. Examples include:

• Verbal: name-calling, teasing
• Social:spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships
• Physical: hitting, punching, shoving
• Cyberbullying: using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to harm others

An act of bullying may fit into more than one of these groups.

(Source: www.stopbullying.gov)

In the Community

Everyone can help prevent and stop bullying. Adults have the responsibility to protect and be a role model for kids, teens, and young adults.

No matter who you are or who you represent, you can influence lives and maybe even save a life.

Everyone needs to be aware not only about the warning signs and effects of bullying, but also about the ways to intervene and support both the person being bullied and the one bullying others.

Also check out the video >>here<<

(Source: www.stopbullying.gov)

Have You Seen Bullying?

Check out a video about being bullied here!

You can help stop the bullying. Next time you see someone being bullied, try one (or more) of these ideas:

• If it is safe, speak up. Say something like, “Stop it!”
• Tell an adult. Kids who are being bullied are sometimes scared to tell an adult. That is where you come in--tell an adult who you trust, like your teacher or coach. You can tell them in person or leave them a note.
• Be a friend to the person who is being bullied. You can still help the kid who is being bullied:
  • Talk with them.
  • Sit with them at lunch.
  • Play with them at recess.
• Set a good example. Do not bully others.

In The Community

Everyone can help prevent and stop bullying. Adults have the responsibility to protect and be a role model for kids, teens, and young adults.

No matter who you are or who you represent, you can influence lives and maybe even save a life.

Everyone needs to be aware not only about the warning signs and effects of bullying, but also about the ways to intervene and support both the person being bullied and the one bullying others.

What Educators Can Do?

Bullying negatively affects the atmosphere of a school and disrupts the learning environment. Bullying is not something educators have to accept.

It takes the entire school community to create an inviting school where everyone feels they belong and are safe. Working together, administrators, teachers, school staff, parents, and students can help stop bullying in your school.

Where to Start?

Consider the following questions when putting a bullying prevention initiative in your school. Would you like help to:

• Assess a clearer picture of bullying in your school?
• Evaluate the bullying prevention initiatives you currently have in place?
• Learn how to identify and intervene in bullying incidents?
• Prevent bullying at your school?
• Check out resources you can use to make your school safer?
• Enhance classroom management skills?
• Establish a school safety committee to help you prevent bullying, including teachers, support staff, students, parents, and community members?
• Convey your expectation of respectful behavior by creating policies and guidelines such as a Mission Statement, Code of Conduct, and School Rules about Bullying?
• Establish a system to track the bullying incidents in that is currently taking place at your school?
• Effectively discipline students who bully?
• Engage parents more effectively, through bullying prevention?
• Engage parents in enhancing their children's academic performance?
• Encourage students to safely stand up for each other?
• Encourage students to report bullying when they see it?
• Hold regular classroom meetings to discuss bullying and respecting others?
• Explain the many different kinds of bullying?
• Explain examples of what students can do to make bullying stop?

By providing these resources, the Departments of Health and Human Services and Education do not imply a requirement of their use. According to research, the most successful strategies or programs are school-wide and comprehensive.

Did you know?

56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying at school.

(source: www.stopbullying.gov)

Parents

Parents can play a key role in preventing and stopping bullying. But first they have to know if their children bully or are bullied by others. Many parents do not discuss bullying with their children, and many children do not raise the topic of bullying with their parents.

Some parents of children who bully may also support such behavior without knowing it. They may use power and aggression to resolve conflicts, or they may fail to keep track of and stop bullying at home. Also, as children get older, bullying often occurs when adults are not around.

See this video at http://www.stopbullying.gov/parents/index.html

(source: http://www.stopbullying.gov)

How to Deal with Being Bullied (Teens)

If you have been bullied, it may affect you in many ways. You may not want to go to school or may find it hard to do your homework. You may be losing sleep, eating more or less than usual, having headaches or stomachaches, or getting sick more often. Know that you do not have to feel this way.

Your Feelings are Important

• Do not blame yourself. It is easy to question whether you are the problem. But no matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
• Be proud of who you are. No matter what they say, there are wonderful things about you. Keep those in mind instead of the disrespectful messages you get from the people who are bullying you.
• Do not be afraid to get help. Sometimes it helps to just talk to someone who is not personally involved. Teachers, counselors, and others are there to help. Seeing a counselor or other professional does not mean there is something wrong with you.

What to Do When You Are Being Bullied

The first priority is always your safety. Here are some strategies for you to consider:

• Tell them to stop.
• Walk away. Do not let them get to you. If you walk away or ignore them, they will not get that satisfaction.
• Protect yourself. Sometimes you cannot walk away. If you are being physically hurt, protect yourself so that you can get away.
• Tell an adult you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. In some cases, adults need to get involved for the bullying to stop.
• Find a safe place. Go somewhere that you feel safe and secure like the library, a favorite teacher’s classroom, or the office.
• Stick together. Stay with a group or individuals that you trust.
• Find opportunities to make new friends. Explore your interests and join school or community activities such as sports, drama, or art. Volunteer or participate in community service.

(source: www.stopbullying.gov)