Bullying is:Unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a power imbalance such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity. Basically, it is an unfair, one-sided match.
The behavior is repeated over time...the victim has become a target.
Bullying is Not: When, two kids with no social, physical, or economic power imbalance fight, have an argument, or disagree.
There are three types of bullying:
1. Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things.
• Teasing
• Name-calling
• Inappropriate sexual comments
• Taunting
• Threatening to cause harm
2. Social bullying (including cyberbullying) involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships.
• Leaving someone out on purpose
• Telling other children not to be friends with someone
• Spreading rumors about someone
• Embarrassing someone in public
3. Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions.
• Hitting/kicking/pinching
• Spitting
• Tripping/pushing
• Taking or breaking someone’s things
Warning Signs for Any Kind of Bullying:
• Unexplainable injuries
• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
Bullying Prevention:
•Help kids understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Tell kids bullying is unacceptable. Make sure kids know how to get help.
•Keep the lines of communication open. Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns.
•Encourage kids to do what they love. Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost confidence, help kids make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior.
•Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.
Mountin Lions-Don't be a Bystander, but an Upstander!
Speak UP! If you see bullying happening let an adult know right away.
Stick Together and Defend the Pride! Be on the lookout for people who may be feeling down and alone. Invite them to join your game or activity on the playground. Students who are alone can be targets for bullies. Make sure no Mountain Lions get left behind!!!
No One Gets Left Behind! For an example of how we can have each other's back, how to make a difference in the life of someone else, and how to be a brave friend-check out the video: Charlotte and Jonathan.
Take Action!: For any kind of bullying, including cyberbullying, let the teacher, counselors, or school administration know.
Resources:
What to Do! There are many good resources for how to talk to your son or daughter about bullying, how to prevent it, and what to do if it does happen. Here's a couple.