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10 Facts about Bullying

  1. Bullying is more than teasing
    • Physical, verbal, or emotional abuse.
    • Most common in middle school is TEASING, with physical abuse (boys) and social ostracism (girls) in second.
    • Imbalance of physical or psychological power, with the bully being stronger (or perceived to be stronger) than the victim.
    • 1 in 7 schoolchildren is a bully or victim.

  2. Anyone can Bully
    • Pattern of repeated physical or psychological intimidation.
    • Bullying behavior is learned, but can be unlearned.
    • Bullying, of any kind, cannot be tolerated.
    • Chooses negative behavior to get attention.
    • Schools need clear rules of conduct and fair discipline practices.

  3. Anyone can be a victim.

  4. Bullying isn’t a Modern problem

  5. Bullying affects everyone
    • Bullying affects victim, bully and bystanders.

  6. Bullying is a serious problem
    • Will be repeated if not addressed.
    • The confidentiality of reporters should be respected.

  7. We can work together to find solutions
    • Teach conflict resolution skills.
    • Encourage healthy decisions
    • 3R’s-Rules, Rights and Responsibilities. Rules-Bullying not to be tolerated in any form-physical or emotional. Rights-Students have right to be safe in school environment. Responsibilities-Better supervision and observant monitoring.
    • “Talk It Outs”- Cool off, choose to solve the problem, share your feelings, listen, find a solution and put into action, make a plan for the future.

  8. A comprehensive plan will produce the best results
    • Zero Tolerance, Teach/Model conflict resolution, Get parents/teachers/administrators involved, reward good behavior.

  9. Children at risk can be helped
    • Warning signs for at-risk kids: excessive isolation, history of abuse/trauma, low school interest, expression of violence in drawings/writings, uncontrolled anger, history of discipline problems, intolerance for differences, history of drugs/alcohol, gang affiliation.

  10. Schools are responsible for protecting students
    • Make students feel safe to report issues and follow through to resolution.