Support for Bullying

What is Bullying?

Bullying is a deliberate and repeated behavior by one or more people, intended to harmanother person and/or assert power over that person. Bullying can include many different behaviors, such as:

1) physical violence

2) verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs

3) threats and intimidation

4) stealing of money or  possessions

5) exclusion from the peer group

6) cyberbullying

Bullying is not a conflict or one-time event/argument between two evenly matched people.

Bullying Myths and Facts:

Myth:“Bullying is just, stage, a normal part of life. I went through it; my kids will too. ”

Fact: Bullying is not “normal” or socially acceptable behavior. We give bullies power by our acceptance of this behavior.

Myth: “If I tell someone, it will just make it worse.”

Fact: Research shows that bullying will stop when adults in authority and peers get involved .

Myth:“Just stand up for yourself and hit them back”

Fact: While there are some times when people can be forced to defend themselves, hitting back usually makes the bullying worse and increases the risk for serious physical harm.

Myth: “Bullying is a school problem, the teachers should handle it”

Fact: Bullying is a broader social problem that often happens outside of schools, on the street, at shopping centers, the local pool, summer camp and in the adult workplace.

Myth:

“People are born bullies”

Fact:

Bullying is a learned behavior and behaviors can be changed.

What can you do if you or someone you know is being bullied?

1) Know that bullying is not your fault.

2) Tell an adult that you trust.

3) Write down what happened – who, what, when, and where (Complete a DWJH bully report and submit to office).

4) Be calm and don’t act angry or upset.

5) Try to ignore them at the time of the incident until you can tell an adult.

6) If ignoring doesn’t work, tell them to STOP.

7) Don’t fight – it’s dangerous; get help from an adult.

8) Join a club or team.