Bullies: How to Spot Them and How to Stop Them

THE TRUTH ABOUT BULLIES TODAY TM WHO IS A BULLY? What does it mean to bully someone?

TM BULLYING IS: Systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students. TM

BULLYING CAN BE: Physical Emotional Technological TM Exercise: A quiz about bullies

Break into groups of 4-5 students. As a group, decide whether you believe each of the ten statements about bullies or bullying is true or false. You have 10 minutes to decide.

Try to reach a unanimous decision. TM TM TM

TM What did each group decide? Lets look at each statement on the list. TM

TM TM TM 1. Nearly one-third of American teenagers are involved in bullying.

TMTM 2. Less than 10% of American teenagers admit to bullying others. TMTM 3. Students who are bullied in school usually pay attention and

have good attendance records. TMTM 4. Most students who bully are insecure. TMTM

5. Contrary to stereotypes, male bullies are not usually bigger and physically stronger than their victims. TMTM 6. Students who witness bullying often refuse to remain friends with the victim and

feel guilty for not reporting the incident. TMTM 7. Bullies have trouble making friends. TMTM

8. Bullies do poorly in school compared to those who do not bully. TMTM 9. Most bullies stop their violent or aggressive behavior when they become adults.

TMTM 10. If you are being bullied, it is best to handle it alone. TMTM What can we do to

stop bullying in schools? TMTM In any bullying incident, there are at least 2 people involved:

The BULLY, and The VICTIM. TMTM Sometimes, a third person or group is involved: The BYSTANDER Why?

Because a bully likes to have an audience! TMTM If you are a victim of bullying, what are your options and resources? Ignore the bully and walk away.

Walk to class in a groupbullies tend to attack when you are alone. If you know where bullies hang out, avoid that area or route.

TMTM Tell the bully to stop his or her conduct in an assertive voice. Note: If there is any risk to your personal safety, do not take this approach. Tell someone who can help.

Note: Public schools are required by law to investigate reports of bullying. TMTM What if you observe bullying? Can you help and make a difference? Answer: YES!

Dont join in the bullying conduct! Befriend the victim. Remember, bullies tend to prey on people who are alone. Walk with the victim to class. TMTM What else can you do as an observer?

Tell the bully to stop. Note: As with a victim, if there is any risk to your personal safety, do not take this approach. Make an excuse that gets the victim away from the bully. (Example: Hey Steve, the principal wants you to come to her office NOW.).

Report the incident to an adult. TMTM TELLING IS NOT TATTLING

Tattling is when a student tells an adult about another students actions simply to get him or her into trouble. Telling is when a student speaks to an

adult about another students actions because those actions were unsafe or hurt another person. TM There are many reasons to be concerned about bullies even if you are not the victim of their attacks. You can help stop bullying in your

school! TMTM