Bullying
Jen shares her password to her Instagram account with her friend Colleen. She notices mean comments are showing up on other peoples posts that look like she wrote (but she didn't). Others are starting to get angry with her. Jen realizes Colleen has been writing the posts.
What type of bullying is this?
Cyberbullying
Mary, Lucy, Jen and Carly are all in the same friend group. For several weeks, Mary and Lucy have been frustrated with Jen for interrupting them when they are speaking and siding with Carly in arguments. They are ready to boil over with anger. What should they do?
They could try speaking with Jen (and maybe Carly) about their frustrations in a private, quiet setting. They should avoid blaming or name calling and make it clear that they value the friendship and want to clear the air. If they feel they need support to have this conversation, they could ask their counselor to help.
Your friend keeps kicking you at recess.
Use an I-statement to talk to them about this.
"I feel frustrated when you kick me at recess. Could you please stop?"
Tyrone tells Shanda her hat looks stupid.
What could Shanda do to move up the conflict escalator (ie, make the situation worse?)
She could say, "not as stupid as yours". Or she could say something else rude back.
Simone normally sits with Jane, Kara and Eileen at lunch. One day, they tell Simone that they don't want her to sit with them anymore. This continues for several weeks. Is this bullying?
Yes, this is social bullying (excluding others).
Diego has been stealing chips from Thomas over the past few weeks. Thomas is frustrated because he wants to eat all his chips. What should he do?
He could talk to Diego about it and ask him to stop taking his chips. He could also try sitting away from Diego if necessary.
Your friend keeps borrowing your pencils in class and not returning them. It's getting annoying and you are running out of pencils.
"I feel annoyed when you borrow my pencils and don't return them. Could you borrow from the teacher instead?"
Tyrone tells Shanda her hat looks stupid. What could she say to move DOWN the conflict escalator (ie, de-escalate the situation?)
She could say something like, "That's your opinion. I like my hat." Or she could use an I-statement. Or she could choose to ignore and walk away.
Everyday on the bus, several older students have been grabbing Tom's backpack when he goes to get up, shoving him back and forth. This has been going on for several weeks and Tom hates riding the bus. Is this bullying? What type?
Yes, Physical Bullying
You sit next to a student in history class who is super distracting. Lately, they keep poking you with their pencil. What should you do?
First, try to politely ask them to stop poking you with their pencil. If it continues, tell the teacher and ask if your seat can be changed.
Your friend has been talking more to your other friends at lunch than you. You are feeling hurt and ignored.
"I feel a little left out when you talk to everyone else at lunch but me. Could you include me more in the conversations you're having?"
Your trust has been betrayed by a friend. What could you do to MOVE UP the conflict escalator? (Make it worse)
You could talk about it with your other friends behind their back. You could try to get back at them by starting a rumor.
One day, Carl's friend in class says to him, "Your shirt makes you look like Batman!". Carl's feelings are hurt because he liked the shirt but did not intend to look like Batman. Is this bullying?
No, this is teasing. It might escalate into a conflict, but if Carl's friend only teased him this one time, it is not bullying.
You were out sick and missed a week of school! When you return, you are very confused about the topic in science class. What should you do?
Talk to the teacher and make a plan to stay for extra help before or after school. Review notes and materials on Google Classroom. Work with a friend to copy over notes and/or other materials you missed.
Your friend is always talking to you during class. Your teacher has spoken to you both about it several times. Your friend says something to you again today but your teacher thinks it is you who is talking and assigns you a detention. You are angry at your friend for getting you in trouble.
"I feel annoyed when you talk to me in class and get us in trouble. Could we just talk after class?"
A friend keeps playing pranks on you and you don't think it's funny anymore. How could you move DOWN the conflict escalator (make it better)?
Talk to them using an I-message. Ask them to stop politely but firmly. If needed, seek support from a trusted adult.