Bullying

Does bullying happen at our school?

Bullying

• Bullying is a way to exert power by deliberately hurting another person.

• It can be physical, verbal or emotional.

Examples of bullying include:

• Name calling, harassing, cornering• Terrorizing, threatening, blackmailing• Humiliating, teasing, gossiping• Rejecting, isolating, ignoring• Hitting, punching, kicking

On a piece of paper, describe 1 example of a bullying incident that you witnessed, participated in, caused, or were a victim of at this school.

Do not write your name on the paper or use any names in the description.

I will collect these and read some examples.

Is bullying limited to just guys? Why or why not?

Bullying is not limited to guys. Girls who are bullies typically will gossip, tease or isolate others. Girls also can be physically hurtful toward others.

Is bullying limited to kids and teens? Why or why not?

Unfortunately, even adults bully. They often use put-downs, intimidation, sarcasm and humiliation.

Many times this happens in the workplace.

Turn to “John & the Bully” on page 10.

We will read through this story together.

How do you think John feels?

John may feel afraid, humiliated, harassed and alone. Reactions to bullying can vary from being depressed and withdrawn to

wanting to fight back and becoming extremely violent.

What should John do?

It’s important for targets of bullies not to fight back. They need to get out of the immediate situation. They can tell a school official, parent or even the police until someone listens and

helps.

What would be some of the negative consequences if John were to fight back?

He could get suspended from school. He could get beaten up. The fight could escalate and

others could get hurt.

What should bystanders do to stop bullying?

Bystanders should help the target get out of the situation if possible, and report the bullying. Don’t encourage the

bullying by standing around and watching it happen.

How do you think the bullying John experienced in high school will affect him as an adult?

People like John, who were bullied as children or teens, carry those experiences into adulthood. Some people experience long-

term emotional and physical health problems. Others may be withdrawn and have difficulty making friends.

What is likely to happen to Derek as an adult if he continues to bully?

Studies have shown that bullies are more likely to:

• Be involved in self-destructive behaviors (alcohol and tobacco use, fighting)

• Carry a weapon• Cheat on tests• Steal• Be involved in vandalism• Skip school• Have problems with the police• Become depressed

These problems often follow bullies into adulthood.

Now, turn to page 11.

Write 2 endings to John’s story.

Be prepared to share your answers.

Many different people at school can play a role in stopping bullying.

There are 5 pieces of chart paper around the room titled, “Principals and Teachers, Students, Bystanders, Targets, and Bullies”.

Take a colored pencil, go to each station and add an idea on what those people can do to help eliminate bullying in our school.

Turn to a partner and tell them one thing you will commit to doing that will make sure bullying doesn’t happen at our school.

Be prepared to share your partner’s answer.