Unfortunately, this has been not issue that we needed to discuss and spend some time researching as a class. We have not had a problem with our class, but I think it is important at this age to be aware of what it really is and the dangers it represents.
So we are taking sometime to understand it and maybe even spread the word in our community. We saw a movie called Chicken Little where the main character suffers from Bullying, we discussed it and we researched the Stop Bullying Website.
This is some of the things we have learned:
Bullying Definition
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
· An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
· Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
The Roles Kids Play
There are many roles that kids can play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may witness bullying. When kids are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. Sometimes kids may both be bullied and bully others or they may witness other kids being bullied. It is important to understand the multiple roles kids play in order to effectively prevent and respond to bullying.
Prevention at School
Bullying can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety at school and can negatively impact their ability to learn. The best way to address bullying is to stop it before it starts. There are a number of things school staff can do to make schools safer and prevent bullying
Support the Kids Involved
All kids involved in bullying—whether they are bullied, bully others, or see bullying—can be affected. It is important to support all kids involved to make sure the bullying doesn’t continue and effects can be minimized.
Stop Bullying on the Spot
When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. There are simple steps adults can take to stop bullying on the spot and keep kids safe.
Do:
· Intervene immediately. It is ok to get another adult to help.
· Separate the kids involved.
· Make sure everyone is safe.
· Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs.
· Stay calm. Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders.
· Model respectful behavior when you intervene.
Avoid these common mistakes:
· Don’t ignore it. Don’t think kids can work it out without adult help.
· Don’t immediately try to sort out the facts.
· Don’t force other kids to say publicly what they saw.
· Don’t question the children involved in front of other kids.
· Don’t talk to the kids involved together, only separately.
· Don’t make the kids involved apologize or patch up relations on the spot.
Get police help or medical attention immediately if:
· A weapon is involved.
· There are threats of serious physical injury.
· There are threats of hate-motivated violence, such as racism or homophobia.
· There is serious bodily harm.
· There is sexual abuse.
· Anyone is accused of an illegal act, such as robbery or extortion—using force to get money, property, or services.
Righ now we are working on posters about each subject and next we will work on creating panflets we can share with the school!
