Bullying

Creating a Caring Community

Creating a Caring Community

Four Markers of Bullying

Imbalance of Power

Intent to Harm

Threat of Further Aggression

Terror

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The Ways and Means

Verbal Bullying (boys and girls use this equally)

Physical Bullying (mostly boys)

Relational Bullying (mostly girls)

Cyber-Bullying (boys and girls use this equally)

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Common Bully Traits

Likes to dominated peopleLikes to use others people to get what they want

Lack of empathySelf-Seeking

Violence in the absence of adultsView others as weak and potential prey

Uses blame, criticism, and false allegationsRefuses to accept responsibility

Lacks foresight and short/long term consequences

Craves attentionIn NOT typically about anger

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Common Victim Traits

Greater risk for physical and mental health problems

Misses school more frequentlyHigher levels of anxiety

Low self-worthPotential for depression, social anxiety, and

lonelinessPeers tend to avoid

Low social statusIsolation from peers (less likely to have close

friends)Feelings of powerlessness

Higher risk for suicidal ideation

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Warning Signs

Shows an abrupt lack of interest in school or refusal to go to school

Takes an unusual route to schoolSuffers a drop in grades

Withdraws from family and school activitiesIsolates

Is hungry after schoolMakes a beeline to the bathroom when returning

home from schoolIs sad, sullen, angry, or scared after receiving

communication (phone, text, email, chat, social networking, etc.)

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Warning Signs

Does something out of characterUses derogatory or demeaning language when

talking about peersStops talking about everyday activities

Has disheveled, torn, or missing clothingHas physical injuries not consistent with

explanationsHas stomach aches, head aches, panic attacks, is

unable to sleep, sleeps too much, is exhausted

Creating a Caring Community

Creating a Caring Community

Bystandersfive reasons for not intervening

The bystander is afraid of getting hurt

The bystander is afraid of becoming a new target

The bystander is afraid of making things worse

The bystander doesn’t know what to do

The Bully is my friend/relative

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Creating a Caring Community

Principles/Values Driven

Effective Anti-Bullying Policies

Prevention Strategy

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Principles/Values Driven

1. Warmth, positive interest, and involvement from adults

2. Firm and consistent limits as to unacceptable behaviors

3. In case of violations of limits and rules, consistent application of non-hostile, non-physical sanctions

4. Behavior by adults at home and community organizations that creates an authoritative (not authoritarian) adult-child interaction

Creating a Caring Community

Effective Anti-Bullying Policies

1. Strong positive statement of the organization’s desire to promote positive peer interactions

2. A succinct definition of bullying3. A declaration of rights of the individuals and

groups in the community4. A statement of the responsibility of witnesses5. Encouragement to speak to leaders when

concerns of victimization surface6. A general description of how the

organization/community will deal with bully/victim problem

Creating a Caring Community

Prevention Strategy

1. Gather information about bullying directly from students

2. Establish clear organizational rules about bullying

3. Train all willing adults to respond sensitively and consistently to bullying

4. Provide adequate adult supervision5. Improve parental awareness and

involvement in addressing the problem