Random
Should you stay home from school if being bullied?
No, don't stay home. It is hard to face bullies but letting them know you are scared can only makes it worse.
The person who intentionally and repeatedly uses a power imbalance to cause physical or emotional hurt to another person.
Bully (or aggressor)
Shoving, hitting, kicking, or damaging someone’s personal property.
Physical Bullying
What is the difference between teasing, mean moment and bullying?
Teasing is a playful interaction between equals, a mean moment is an isolated, hurtful or unkind remark, and bullying is a repeated, intentional act backed by a power imbalance.
Practicing a calm, assertive tone of voice ahead of time can help you stand up to a bully more effectively.
TRUE - Projecting confidence can disrupt the power imbalance the bully is trying to create.
How does bullying ultimately destroy someone's own reputation?
While they might look powerful at first, their behavior backfires in three main ways:
A person who actively supports the bully. They may join in on the name-calling, physical actions, or laughter, encouraging the negative behavior.
Henchman (or assistant)
Saying bad words, name-calling, or insulting someone face-to-face.
Verbal Bullying
Sam gets a very short haircut. A popular student in the class walks by his lunch table every single day, loudly saying, "Hey look, it’s the bald freak." Several other students laugh. Sam looks down, visibly upset, and tries to ignore them, but the student repeats it tomorrow.
Bullying
Telling a teacher or trusted adult about bullying is the same as tattling or snitching.
FALSE - Tattling is trying to get someone in trouble for something small. Reporting a bully is trying to protect someone from being hurt. Informing an adult is smart and mature.
What can we do as a class to stop bullies?
Get the whole class and school on board to only say nice things to other people, let others know that they are not alone, let bullies know that the school is going to stand up against them
Someone who watches bullying happen but does not do anything to stop it.
Bystander
Spreading rumors, gossiping, or leaving someone out on purpose.
Social Bullying
During an online game with his usual friend group, Leo completely misses an easy shot. His friend says over the headset, "Bro, are you playing with your eyes closed?" Leo laughs and says, "My controller lagged, I swear!" In the next round, the friend misses a shot, and Leo gets to make a joke back.
Teasing
Fighting back or bullying someone in return is the best way to handle it.
FALSE - Fighting back or retaliating usually escalates the conflict, creates more problems, and can get you into trouble as well.
What is DASA?
DASA stands for the Dignity for All Students Act, a New York State law enacted to ensure a safe, supportive K-12 public school environment free from discrimination and bullying.
A person who is targeted or harmed by bullying behaviors.
Target (or victim)
Sending hurtful text messages, posting embarrassing photos online, or leaving mean comments on someone's videos.
Liam tries to join a group chat with his classmates. They repeatedly add him just to send insulting messages about his clothes or family, then kick him out before he can reply. When he asks them in person why they did it, they laugh, walk away, and create a separate, public group chat named "The Anti-Liam Club" where they post edited photos of him.
Bullying
Girls and boys tend to bully differently.
TRUE - While anyone can use any tactic, boys are more likely to use physical intimidation. Girls are statistically more likely to use relational bullying, such as social exclusion, spreading rumors, or using "pretend friendship" as a weapon.
Name four people to turn to for help if you are being bullied.
Friends, teachers, counselors, parents, trusted adults.
A peer who actively dislikes the bullying and steps in to support the target. They offer comfort, show empathy, and stand by the victim so they do not feel alone.
Ally (or defender)
Involves unwanted sexual remarks, gestures, inappropriate touching, or non-consensual sharing of sexual content.
Sexual Bullying
Maya sits down at a table with some acquaintances. One of them looks at her food, makes a disgusted face, and says, "Ugh, that smells gross, can you move?" Maya moves down to the end of the table feeling self-conscious. The student doesn't bring it up again.
Mean moment
Bullying peaks during high school.
FALSE - Statistics show that bullying actually peaks in middle school (grades 6–8) and decreases as students get older. Middle school is the prime time for prevention.