Bullying

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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 people Likes to use others people to get what they want Lack of empathy Self-Seeking Violence in the absence of adults View others as weak and potential prey Uses blame, criticism, and false allegations Refuses to accept responsibility Lacks foresight and short/long term consequences Craves attention In NOT typically about anger

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Common Victim Traits

Greater risk for physical and mental health problems Misses school more frequently Higher levels of anxiety Low self-worth Potential for depression, social anxiety, and loneliness Peers tend to avoid Low social status Isolation 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 school Suffers a drop in grades Withdraws from family and school activities Isolates Is hungry after school Makes a beeline to the bathroom when returning home from school Is 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 character Uses derogatory or demeaning language when talking about peers Stops talking about everyday activities Has disheveled, torn, or missing clothing Has physical injuries not consistent with explanations Has stomach aches, head aches, panic attacks, is unable to sleep, sleeps too much, is exhausted

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Bystanders

five 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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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

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Effective Anti-Bullying Policies

Strong positive statement of the organization’s desire to promote positive peer interactions A succinct definition of bullying A declaration of rights of the individuals and groups in the community A statement of the responsibility of witnesses Encouragement to speak to leaders when concerns of victimization surface A general description of how the organization/community will deal with bully/victim problem

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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 supervision 5. Improve parental awareness and involvement in addressing the problem

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