What is Bullying?
Behavior that:
ü Is unfair and one-sided (not joking around)
ü Can be done directly to someone or behind their back
ü Is physical – hitting, kicking, pushing
ü Is verbal – using insults, name calling, or spreading rumors
ü Is relationship/emotional – ignoring others or leaving them out on purpose
Characteristics of a Bully:
ü Likes to have power and be in charge ALL the time
ü Feels good about him/her self while bullying
ü “Appears” to be popular
ü Has difficulty understanding how others feel (has no empathy)
ü Does not accept responsibility
Ways to Stop Bullying:
Be a Bully Buster . . .
B – Befriend / use kindness
U – Uses distraction / humor
S – Speak out / Standup for yourself
T – Tell an adult
E – Express disapproval
R – Refuse to participate / walk away
Typical conflict of 5-6 Grade Boys & Girls
ü Not playing with me at recess
ü Promise not to tell secret and then tells
ü She looked at me funny – called me a name
ü Not fair – cheating at game
ü Jealousy issues
ü She’s mad at me
Now it’s Your Turn to Decide . . . Bullying or Normal Conflict?
ü He said I wasn’t “cool” and wouldn’t play with me at recess today --- Normal Conflict because it only happened once
ü She pushed me in P.E. --- Normal Conflict. However, it could be Bullying IF the behavior is repeated
In Summary:
ü Bullying is about POWER – it is NOT about everyday conflict
ü Bullying is done on PURPOSE to UPSET others
ü INDIVIDUALS or GROUPS can bully
ü Happens more than once – repeated
