Bystander Intervention for Middle Schoolers
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Transcript of Bystander Intervention for Middle Schoolers
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?