Miscellaneous True/False
Most kids that have bullying behaviors in childhood, discontinue those behaviors in adulthood.
False, people can demonstrate bullying behaviors at any age. If kids don't realize that their behaviors are hurtful, they usually don't change their ways in adulthood.
Who can you report bullying to?
Any of the staff at BST
True or False:
Situations of bullying often stop when another person intervenes on behalf of the person being bullied.
True, bullying behaviors, more times than not, stop when someone else intervenes, whether the person be an ally/friend or staff. Being an ally to someone helps to create the social norm that bullying behavior is not welcome.
Is there bullying behavior taking place in the following scenario?
Someone constantly clicks their pen in the community room. You tell them it upsets you, but they continue doing it anyway.
No, this is not bullying but being difficult. Try not sitting next to them or ignoring the behavior.
Identify the type of bullying in the following scenario: (reminder: the 4 types are social, verbal, physical, and cyberbullying)
Someone stands really close to you, in an intimidating way, and tells you that you better not to show up to an event.
Making intimidating statements, and standing too close (without touching you) is verbal bullying.
Bullying is only an issue with children at school.
False, bullying can happen amongst anyone at any age and anywhere.
Will I get in trouble if I report bullying behaviors?
No, nobody that reports or gets reported for bullying will automatically be in trouble. Management may schedule meetings to follow up on the situation and come up with some strategies to de-escalate the situation, but you will not be in trouble. We are here to support you!
True or false:
Not laughing or participating when people are gossiping can stop bullying behavior from continuing.
True, showing someone that you aren't interested in that kind of behavior usually results in the person stopping what they are doing. If you feel comfortable speaking up, it can be even more helpful to say that you aren't interested in gossiping.
Is there bullying behavior taking place in the following scenario?
Someone makes racist remarks about you and tries to intimidate you out of going to an event.
Yes, this is verbal bullying. Other types of verbal bullying include name-calling, teasing, insults, intimidation, or discriminatory remarks (sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, etc.).
Identify the type of bullying in the following scenario: (reminder: the 4 types are social, verbal, physical, and cyberbullying)
Someone spreads rumors about you on Facebook.
Since it is online, it is cyberbullying.
If you are being bullied, it is best to handle it alone.
False, reporting what happened or having friends/allies to help you can make a huge difference in preventing future bullying of you or others. It takes effort from everyone in the community to prevent bullying.
How do I report bullying behaviors?
You can fill out a complaint form and drop it in the office mail slot, or tell staff in person.
Do you have to directly face the person that is bullying someone in order to be an ally to the victim?
No, if you don't feel comfortable telling them that their behavior isn't acceptable, reporting the behavior to BST staff is also being an ally to the victim. You can also try to get to know the person without judging them (try to ignore the rumors that you have heard about them).
Is there bullying behavior taking place in the following scenario?
You are drawing in the community room when someone gets in your face and tells you that you aren't welcome there. After you say that you aren't leaving, they start breaking your colored pencils in half until you agree to leave.
Yes, this is both verbal and physical bullying. Getting really close and saying intimidating statements is verbal bullying, and damaging your pencils is physical bullying. Other types of physical bullying include hitting, tripping, pushing, and damaging property.
Identify the type of bullying in the following scenario: (reminder: the 4 types are social, verbal, physical, and cyberbullying)
Someone tells you not to come into the community room to read anymore. You get up to get some coffee, and when you turn around they are ripping pages out of your book.
This is verbal bullying when they tell you not to go in the community room, and physical bullying when they start damaging your property.
Labeling someone as a 'bully' can escalate the situation.
True, calling someone a bully can make them feel like they have more power/influence and it creates an identity for them rather than correcting their behaviors.
When should I report the bullying behaviors that I have witnessed?
As soon as possible after you witness bullying behavior! The faster management knows about bullying, the faster they can intervene or come up with a plan of how to deal with it.
You hear a rumor about someone that you are acquaintances with. It doesn't sound like something they would do. What should you do?
The best thing you can do is ask them directly if it is true (if they tell you it isn't true, tell others if you hear the rumor going around again. This can help end the gossip!). If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you could also just ignore the rumor.
Is there bullying behavior taking place in the following scenario?
Someone tries to exclude someone from all activities and encourages others to do the same.
Yes, this is an example of social bullying, which is a type of bullying that seeks to hurt someone's relationships or reputation. Other types of social bullying include gossiping, spreading rumors, and trying to make someone look bad/foolish.
Identify the type of bullying in the following scenario: (reminder: the 4 types are social, verbal, physical, and cyberbullying)
Someone starts spreading gossip about you behind your back, and now your friends are keeping their distance from you.
This is social bullying, because they use rumors to influence your reputation and your relationships with other people.
Standing your ground and looking the person bullying you in the eyes can prevent future bullying behavior.
True, these actions can make the person doing the bullying feel less powerful and prevent future bullying behaviors. However, if you feel angry it may be best to ignore them and not escalate the situation (Do not match their aggressive behavior!). Ignoring them shows that it doesn't affect you.
Do you have to be a victim of bullying in order to report the behaviors you have witnessed?
No, please report any bullying behaviors you witnessed, whether they were targeted at you or not. Reporting what you witnessed can be very helpful to those who may not feel comfortable speaking up about being bullied!
You see someone making rude comments to someone else every time they walk by. What can you do to help?
- tell them that you don't like hearing that kind of talk
- Befriend the person that is being told rude comments
- report to BST staff
Is there bullying behavior talking place in the following scenario?
Someone starts sending you hurtful/abusive text messages. You find out later that two people have been starting rumors about you and spreading them online with other residents.
Yes, this is an example of cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can be deliberately excluding others online, abusive texts or emails, and spreading rumors on social media.
Identify the type of bullying in the following scenario: (reminder: the 4 types are social, verbal, physical, and cyberbullying)
You and a couple people are smoking outside and talking. One of the people starts talking about someone else and the conversation gradually turns into rumors about them.
This is social bullying, because of the rumors/gossiping.