WHAT IS BULLYING?
Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase children have to go through, it is not "just messing around", and it is not something to grow out of. Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm.
Although definitions of bullying vary, most agree that bullying involves:
•Imbalance of Power: people who bully use their power to control or harm and the people being bullied may have a hard time defending themselves
•Intent to Cause Harm: actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm
•Repetition: incidents of bullying happen to the same the person over and over by the same person or group
TYPES OF BULLYING
Bullying can take many forms. Examples include:
•Verbal: name-calling, teasing
•Social: spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships
•Physical: hitting, punching, shoving
•Cyberbullying: using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to harm others
An act of bullying may fit into more than one of these groups.
What can you do if you are being bullied?
•Speak up against bullying. Say something like, “stop it.”
•Walk away. Act like you do not care, even if you really do.
•Tell an adult you trust. They may have ideas about what you can do.
•Stick together. Staying with a group might help.
What can you do if you see someone being bullied:
•If it is safe, speak up. Say something like, “Stop it!”
•Tell an adult. Kids who are being bullied are sometimes scared to tell an adult. That is where you come in--tell an adult who you trust, like your teacher or coach. You can tell them in person or leave them a note.
•Be a friend to the person who is being bullied. You can still help the kid who is being bullied:
â¦Talk with them.
â¦Sit with them at lunch.
â¦Play with them at recess.
•Set a good example. Do not bully others.
Some helpful articles related to bullying include:
Some helpful websites for parents and students related to bullying include: