True or False
TRUE or FALSE: All bullies have low self-esteem. That's why they pick on other people.
FALSE: Some bullies have high self-esteem. They feel good about themselves and picking on other people makes them feel even better. Most of the time, bullying isn't about high or low self-esteem. It's about having power over other people.
YES or NO: Bullies know when they've "crossed a line" in terms of their behavior.
Most people know when they're being bullied because bullying involves repeated insults or threats. The people doing the bullying know they've crossed a line, too.
It's not a one-off joke or insult — it's constant harassment and threats that go beyond typical fun teasing or a nasty comment made in anger.
TRUE or FALSE: Cyberbullies can face serious consequences, such as being kicked off sports teams or suspended from school. Some even face legal punishments.
TRUE.
It belongs to you. But others use it more than you do. What is it?
Your Name
Why would it be hard for a youth to talk about bullying with adults?
TRUE or FALSE: Most bullies discontinue violent or aggressive behavior in adulthood.
FALSE: 60% of bullies have at least one criminal conviction because the behavior carries over into adulthood.
Why is resisting the urge to retaliate or respond the best first response to cyberbullying?
Walking away or taking a break when you're faced with online bullying gives you some space so you won't be tempted to fire back a response or engage with the bully or bullies. Responding when we're upset can make things worse because you are running on emotions.
It frustrates cyberbullies' desire for an emotional response. They may try harder to get a response out of you before eventually giving up.
Define bullying.
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.
It starts off light and easy to bear, yet the more you carry it with you, the heavier a burden it becomes.
Guilty Conscience
List 3 mental health issues youth who are bullied may experience.
Research suggests that youth who are bullied over time are more likely than those not bullied to experience:
- depression - anxiety,
- low self-esteem - anti-social behaviors
- substance use - aggressive behavior
- poor health - difficulty trusting
TRUE or FALSE: Nearly one-third of American teens are involved in bullying.
TRUE: In a recent survey, 13% admit to bullying, 11% admit to being bullied, and 6% have been bullied and also bully others.
What is the best way to prove that you or a friend have been a victim of a cyberbully?
Rule: Give an answer other than tell an adult.
Keep a record of bullying messages you receive—in hard copy. If you can show an adult either the messages themselves or a timeline of when you received them, it may be easier to verify what went on and who the bully was. These can be used as evidence with the bully’s parents, school, employer, or even the police.
List 3 different types of bullying and examples to go with each.
Rule: List types other than cyberbullying.
Direct (Face-to Face)
Indirect (Behind Someone’s Back)
Cyber-bullying (Use of Electronic Technology)
Poor people have it. Rich people need it. It can make you or break you.
__% of females and __% of males in the USA reported they have considered suicide in the past year due to bullying.
7.5% of females and 2.3% of males reported they have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
There are 339,996,553 people in America which means 25,499,742 girls and 7,819,920 boys have thought about suicide.
TRUE or FALSE: The vast majority of youth who are bullied tell a teacher or other member of the school staff.
FALSE: Older students and boys are less likely to report instances of bullying.
Younger students and girls are more likely to report instances of bullying.
List another community resource you can rely on for help with bullies.
Rule: Give an answer besides school.
MCSS Tip Line
Text or Call 256-536-8355 (24/7) https://schoolsafety.maryland.gov/Pages/Tipline.aspx
Define power imbalance.
Youth, 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.
We hurt without moving. We poison without touching. We bear the truth and the lies. We are not to be judged by our size. What are we?
Words
Define the bystander effect.
A social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when others are present.
Bystanders to bullying may also experience mental health effects. The same study showed that students who witness bullying at school experienced increased anxiety and depression regardless of whether they supported the bully or the person being bullied.
TRUE or FALSE: Parents are usually aware that their children are bullying others.
FALSE: Parents are often unaware of the extent of bullying and victimization of their children. Moreover, parents do not usually discuss bullying with their children. Parents need to be active partners in promoting their children’s healthy relationships and preventing bullying.
List three differences between peer conflict and bullying.
Normal Peer Conflict
Bullying/Harassment
List all the roles in a bullying scenario.
Bully, Victim, Followers, Supporters, Passive Supporters, Bystanders, Possible Defenders, Defenders
A mile from end to end, yet as close to you as a friend. A precious commodity, freely given. Found on the rich, poor, short and tall, but shared among children most of all. What is it?
A Smile
What two parts of the brain are affected by bullying?
A. Caudate
B. Hypothalamus
C. Cerebellum
D. Putamen
Bullying can be viewed as a form of trauma and it may decrease the volume of parts of the brain called the caudate and putamen. The caudate plays a crucial role in how the brain learns, specifically how it processes memories. This part of the brain uses information from past experiences to influence future actions and decisions. The putamen regulates movements and affects learning.
This is also known as "The Learning Brain" vs. "The Survival Brain".