What is it?
What is bullying?
- the intent to harm someone else (not always physical)
- unwanted and aggressive behavior that makes the person being bullied feel afraid or uncomfortable
Answers vary.
What is verbal bullying?
- when an individual uses verbal language (insults, teasing, mockery, etc.) to gain power or put down their peers
Answers vary.
How many people do you think have been bullied under the age of 25 at some point in their life?
54%
True or False: We adults and students should report bullying because it almost always makes the situation better.
True. It is a myth and just a fear that reporting will make matters worse, it almost always results in improvement for the target, bully and bystander.
You or your friend is being bullied. What is the first thing you can do to stop it or make the situation better?
Answers vary.
What are the different forms of bullying?
Mocking, teasing, gossiping, spreading rumors, social attacks, harassment, etc. (Answers vary.)
What is physical bullying?
- attacking someone with punches, kicks, other physical attacks, etc.
Answers vary.
What do you think is the most commonly reported type of bullying?
Verbal bullying/harassment (79%)
Social bullying/harassment (50%)
Physical bullying/harassment (29%)
Cyber bullying/harassment (25%)
True or False: You can spot bullies because they are large and aggressive.
False. Bullies can be very subtle in their forms of intimidation and social isolation. They may just bully on the internet and you will never know their size.
How do you stop being a bystander and become an upstander?
- say something when you see bullying happening (what you do makes a difference)
Answers vary.
What are some of the effects of bullying?
- makes someone feel lonely, unhappy, frightened
- it sticks with the person for the rest of their life
- affects self-esteem, makes you feel insecure, brings down your confidence
- can lead to depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health issues
Answers vary.
What is cyber bullying? Why is it so common to see it?
- bullying that takes place over devices and social media, social attacks, insults, rude comments
- it's much easier to hide behind a screen instead of bullying in person (screens give bullies protection in a way)
Answers vary.
Do you know any facts about bullying? If not, do you have anything to share about it?
Answers vary.
True or False: Bullies are insecure and have low self-esteem.
False. Many bullies have good self-esteem and think they are doing what those around them WANT them to do. They may be very popular and think highly of themselves.
Why is it so hard for victims to stand up for themselves? What are some ways to make that easier so people do stand up for themselves and others?
- intimidated, weak, scared, they feel like no one will do anything to help
- do it in a group (it's much easier to stand up to bullying when you have others supporting you)
- go to an older student
Answers vary.
What are some common myths about bullying?
- Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
- It builds character.
- That's not bullying. They're just teasing.
Answers vary.
What is social bullying?
- excluding others from a group, humiliating others with public gestures, trying to ruin or hurt someone's reputation, gossiping/rumours
Answers vary.
Which grade or age group do you think experiences the most bullying?
6th Grade, 11 years old
True or False: You can change a bully’s behavior by focusing on what happens at home.
False. You can change a bully’s behavior by changing how WE as bystanders respond to him or her. The home may or may not change, but that person always can.
What are four traits that help you combat bullying?
- assertiveness, friendships, self-esteem, social skills
Answers vary.
What's the difference between normal conflict and bullying?
Conflict is a disagreement or difference of opinion or interests between people (arguments). In a conflict, both parties have the power to influence the situation. Bullying is when only one party has the power to negatively influence the situation. (Answers vary.)
What are the other types of bullying?
- Religious/Racial Bullying: attacking someone with hateful comments and actions because of their religion/race
- Gender/LGBTQ+: refusing to use someone's pronouns, not accepting who they identify is, using stereotypes to define someone, etc.
- Disability Bullying: hateful actions or words directed to someone because of their disabilities/struggles
Answers vary.
How many teens do you think have skipped school because of bullying?
160,000 teens
True or False: Physical differences play a large role in bullying situations. Most victims are chosen because they are sensitive, anxious, and unable to retaliate.
False. Anyone can become a target of bullying.
Since low self-esteem and confidence is an effect of bullying, what are some ways you can help bring that confidence back?
- physical activities (sports, exercise, etc.)
- support (talking to someone, journaling, etc.)
- problem-solving (identifying the root of the problem and coming up with solutions)
- relaxation (spa days, mediating, practice mindfulness, doing things you enjoy, etc.)
Answers vary.