Bullying
This page is under my Anti-Bulying, We R1 Campaign tab on the left hand side.
On this page, you will find a lot of information about Bullying. There are a lot of types of bullying, that you might not even knew about. When I (Joe) search up "Types of Bullying" on Google, I can't believe these term. There was 4 term that EVERYONE should know. Here are some...
Cyber:
- With the technology age a new type of bullying was born; Cyber Bullying.
- This type of bullying can be chat rooms, online, instant messaging, on a mobile phone or even e-mails.
Physical:
- Physical bullying is when someone is hit, punched, pushed or have their personal items stolen and any other kind of physical, aggressive contact.
- When someone has some physical signs of bullying like cuts, bruises, torn clothes or personal belongings missing they just put it down to over active play or childish games. Many times this isn't the cause and people who are bullied will not tell an adult or someone they trust as they believe it will make the bullies mad and make the bullying a lot worse.
Social:
- Social bullying is when someone is left out of games, deliberately ignored and has bad things spread about them and made to feel like an outsider.
Verbal:
- Verbal bullying is when someone is called names, threatened and made to feel bad.
*All of these term, are from HERE.
Articles About Bullying
Article #1: Bullying Is a Growing Problem in Retirement Communities
We’ve all heard about how bad bullying has gotten on high-school and college campuses, but there’s one place you wouldn’t expect to find it: at the old folks home! According to the Arizona Republic, bullying is becoming a common problem in retirement communities and senior centers across the country. In Akron, Ohio a couple was bullied so badly at their retirement community that they were afraid to leave their home. The same is true for Doris Lor, who lives in Arizona. She says she’s been harassed at the recreation center, at the club house, and she’s even been chased out of the community pool. A retirement community in Massachusetts had so many problems with a serial bully that they had to involve the police!
Bullies aren’t normally what we think about when we think about the elderly. Most of us have an image of a kindly grandma, but experts in the field say there are many reasons why older people become bullies. As people age, they become frail, which makes them feel very vulnerable. Some people adjust, but other people become destructive or lash out because they feel insecure. Dementia might also play a role. As the mind weakens, people become unable to control their behavior, and in some cases, the person’s always been a bully and that didn’t change with age. If a person was a mean girl in high-school, they may still be a mean girl when they’re seventy.
Elderly bullying is no joke though. It can have a big impact on a senior’s life and health. If an older person is afraid to leave their home, they may not get the medical care they need, which could be life threatening. It’s also common for the elderly to feel isolated and depressed and bullying can make that problem worse.
So what’s the fix? Robin Bonifas studies bullying at Arizona State University. She says it’s important to spread the word about senior bullies so people who are experiencing it can come out of the shadows. She says every senior center and housing development needs to have clear rules and expectations of their seniors and they need to strictly enforce those rules. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, contact your local area on aging. They have people who can help. Go to AOA.gov.
We’ve all heard about how bad bullying has gotten on high-school and college campuses, but there’s one place you wouldn’t expect to find it: at the old folks home! According to the Arizona Republic, bullying is becoming a common problem in retirement communities and senior centers across the country. In Akron, Ohio a couple was bullied so badly at their retirement community that they were afraid to leave their home. The same is true for Doris Lor, who lives in Arizona. She says she’s been harassed at the recreation center, at the club house, and she’s even been chased out of the community pool. A retirement community in Massachusetts had so many problems with a serial bully that they had to involve the police!
Bullies aren’t normally what we think about when we think about the elderly. Most of us have an image of a kindly grandma, but experts in the field say there are many reasons why older people become bullies. As people age, they become frail, which makes them feel very vulnerable. Some people adjust, but other people become destructive or lash out because they feel insecure. Dementia might also play a role. As the mind weakens, people become unable to control their behavior, and in some cases, the person’s always been a bully and that didn’t change with age. If a person was a mean girl in high-school, they may still be a mean girl when they’re seventy.
Elderly bullying is no joke though. It can have a big impact on a senior’s life and health. If an older person is afraid to leave their home, they may not get the medical care they need, which could be life threatening. It’s also common for the elderly to feel isolated and depressed and bullying can make that problem worse.
So what’s the fix? Robin Bonifas studies bullying at Arizona State University. She says it’s important to spread the word about senior bullies so people who are experiencing it can come out of the shadows. She says every senior center and housing development needs to have clear rules and expectations of their seniors and they need to strictly enforce those rules. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, contact your local area on aging. They have people who can help. Go to AOA.gov.
Article #2: Teachers Are Bullying Other Teachers
Bullying in schools has been in the news, and on our show, a lot lately. In most schools the policies against bullying are aimed at students, but some school districts are now laying down rules to prevent teachers from bullying other teachers. We read about this in USA Today. You might not think rules are needed to keep adults from bullying each other, but the Sioux City School District in Iowa says bullying among teachers is not rare. Since they adopted anti-bullying rules for employees, teachers have been more comfortable coming forward and talking about the mistreatment they’ve experienced.
In California, Desert Sands Unified schools spent $45,000 on consulting fees and training for its new anti-bullying policy for teachers. The district says as a result, staff absenteeism went down. Teachers and other staff who were scared of being bullied aren’t as afraid to come to work. So what does teacher on teacher bullying look like? It’s similar to office bullying – like being constantly criticized, especially by a manager – or in the case of a teacher, the principal. 30% of workplaces have one of these bullies, who ruins your confidence with a steady stream of criticism – like, ‘that’ll never work’ or ‘you’ll never get a promotion.’ Another form of bullying is when a teacher trashes another teacher behind their back. Or makes life difficult, say by conveniently “losing” all the student permission slips you gave them the day of the field trip. If you work at a school and you’re being bullied, the website TeachersAtRisk.com says there are some things you can do:
Bullying in schools has been in the news, and on our show, a lot lately. In most schools the policies against bullying are aimed at students, but some school districts are now laying down rules to prevent teachers from bullying other teachers. We read about this in USA Today. You might not think rules are needed to keep adults from bullying each other, but the Sioux City School District in Iowa says bullying among teachers is not rare. Since they adopted anti-bullying rules for employees, teachers have been more comfortable coming forward and talking about the mistreatment they’ve experienced.
In California, Desert Sands Unified schools spent $45,000 on consulting fees and training for its new anti-bullying policy for teachers. The district says as a result, staff absenteeism went down. Teachers and other staff who were scared of being bullied aren’t as afraid to come to work. So what does teacher on teacher bullying look like? It’s similar to office bullying – like being constantly criticized, especially by a manager – or in the case of a teacher, the principal. 30% of workplaces have one of these bullies, who ruins your confidence with a steady stream of criticism – like, ‘that’ll never work’ or ‘you’ll never get a promotion.’ Another form of bullying is when a teacher trashes another teacher behind their back. Or makes life difficult, say by conveniently “losing” all the student permission slips you gave them the day of the field trip. If you work at a school and you’re being bullied, the website TeachersAtRisk.com says there are some things you can do:
- First, start documenting all of it. Write down details including the date, time, location and what was said or done.
- You should also let school administrators know what’s happening. They’re obligated to stop the bullying.
- Finally, meet with your union or federation and get their support. They probably have someone trained to help you deal with the problem.
Article #3: Bullying is Much More Widespread Than We Knew
But that attitude is changing. According to the American Medical Association, bullying has long term mental health consequences for the victim and the bully. And last month, UCLA researchers published a study showing that bullying is much more widespread than anyone knew with half of school kids being harassed once a week!
So why is it such a problem these days? Well, new research from the Archives of Adolescent Medicine say, in part, excessive television watching leads to bullying behavior. Because the more time a kid spends in front of the tube, the less practice they get being social. But bullying has been around a lot longer than cable TV. So what else is happening?
Well, the researchers aren't entirely sure, but what they do know is the outcome. Victims of bullying feel sick more often, are absent from school more often, and tend to have lower grades.
But the damage from bullying doesn't stop with graduation. Bullies are 4 times more likely to engage in criminal behavior by age 24. They also grow up with worse social and coping skills, and are more likely to do drugs.
Part of the blame for the rise in bullying does rest with the schools. There's generally no action taken if the bullying comes in the form of insults, harassment, rumors, or name calling. But that type of behavior is just as damaging to the victim.
So what's the fix on this? The experts say, if you're a kid being bullied, tell someone in charge, like the principal. If you go straight to the bully's parents, they probably won't believe you. Most parents will defend their child's actions. Also, it's common for the parents of bullies to exhibit hostile behavior in their own home. If the bully is screaming insults where do you think they got it? The experts suggest that schools also make sensitivity training part of the curriculum and make students sign a no-bullying contract.
And if your child is the bully. Set consistent rules, have a no-bullying policy and definite consequences. Spend more time with your child, offer positive reinforcement, and stop your own bullying behavior.
But that attitude is changing. According to the American Medical Association, bullying has long term mental health consequences for the victim and the bully. And last month, UCLA researchers published a study showing that bullying is much more widespread than anyone knew with half of school kids being harassed once a week!
So why is it such a problem these days? Well, new research from the Archives of Adolescent Medicine say, in part, excessive television watching leads to bullying behavior. Because the more time a kid spends in front of the tube, the less practice they get being social. But bullying has been around a lot longer than cable TV. So what else is happening?
Well, the researchers aren't entirely sure, but what they do know is the outcome. Victims of bullying feel sick more often, are absent from school more often, and tend to have lower grades.
But the damage from bullying doesn't stop with graduation. Bullies are 4 times more likely to engage in criminal behavior by age 24. They also grow up with worse social and coping skills, and are more likely to do drugs.
Part of the blame for the rise in bullying does rest with the schools. There's generally no action taken if the bullying comes in the form of insults, harassment, rumors, or name calling. But that type of behavior is just as damaging to the victim.
So what's the fix on this? The experts say, if you're a kid being bullied, tell someone in charge, like the principal. If you go straight to the bully's parents, they probably won't believe you. Most parents will defend their child's actions. Also, it's common for the parents of bullies to exhibit hostile behavior in their own home. If the bully is screaming insults where do you think they got it? The experts suggest that schools also make sensitivity training part of the curriculum and make students sign a no-bullying contract.
And if your child is the bully. Set consistent rules, have a no-bullying policy and definite consequences. Spend more time with your child, offer positive reinforcement, and stop your own bullying behavior.
Article #4: The High Tech School Bully
Schoolyard bullies used to steal lunch money and beat kids up on the playground, but technology has made bullies a lot harder to spot. Because, today, instead of relying on their fists, bullies tend to rely on smartphones. Even worse: Only 1 in 3 kids tell their parents that someone’s bullying them. So, parents, here are 4 warning signs to watch out for:
Schoolyard bullies used to steal lunch money and beat kids up on the playground, but technology has made bullies a lot harder to spot. Because, today, instead of relying on their fists, bullies tend to rely on smartphones. Even worse: Only 1 in 3 kids tell their parents that someone’s bullying them. So, parents, here are 4 warning signs to watch out for:
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches. Megan O’Laughlin is a social worker who specializes in helping teens. And she says aching heads and stomachs are the go-to excuses for kids who are afraid to go to school. So, it might be time to take your kid to a doctor. In addition to ruling out a real illness, it could help your child open up about the problem. O’Laughlin says that kids who are too embarrassed to talk to their parents are often willing to talk to their doctor.
- Another sign that your kid’s being bullied: Their grades drop, especially if it’s only in one subject. According to a study in the Journal of Early Adolescence, bullying is usually accompanied by poor performance at school. And if the dip is only in one subject, the bully is probably in the same class with your child.
- The 3rd bullying red flag: Your kid tends to be upset after social events. Bullies like to humiliate their targets in front of groups. So pay attention to your child’s mood when they come home from school functions.
- Finally: Talk to your child if you notice they’re overly-concerned about being popular.Sociologist Dr. Robert Faris says that some victims of bullying start to bully other children because they hope it’ll move them up the social food chain and that even their own bully will focus on the new victim. So, it’s important your kids understand that’s not a workable solution. Instead, encourage them to ignore the remarks, report the bully to a teacher or counselor, and focus on their real friendships.
Article #5: Bullying Has Gone Hi-Tech
Forget the tough kid on the playground. Bullying has gone hi-tech. If your child has a cell phone or a Facebook page, they’re dealing with situations we never even dreamed of when we were in school. Robin Kowalski, a professor at Clemson University and the co-author of Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age, says this online harassment does more damage than getting pushed around at recess, because e-bullies have access to your kids, 24-7. So, here’s her advice on keeping your kids safe:
Don’t punish your children for someone else’s behavior. Sonia Livingstone, a professor at the London School of Economics and Science, believes that denying your children internet access to protect them isn’t the solution - it hurts their grades and limits their social life. She also says that you don’t want to let your kids have a connection in their bedrooms. In fact, keeping the internet connection in a central location stops web surfing from becoming a solitary activity and benefits the entire family.
Forget the tough kid on the playground. Bullying has gone hi-tech. If your child has a cell phone or a Facebook page, they’re dealing with situations we never even dreamed of when we were in school. Robin Kowalski, a professor at Clemson University and the co-author of Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age, says this online harassment does more damage than getting pushed around at recess, because e-bullies have access to your kids, 24-7. So, here’s her advice on keeping your kids safe:
- Open the lines of communication. According to a study done at UCLA, three out of four kids have encountered a bully online, but only one out of 10 tells their parents. Why? They’re afraid they’ll lose their cell phone, computer, or Internet access.
- To get your kids to talk: Ask them about the topic in a general way. For example, “Is it true that some people get threatening text messages?” Or “Someone told me that people put up fake Facebook pages.” Teens love to explain things to their parents - and the general questions allow them to open up to you slowly.
- If you’re child receives an inappropriate text message or email, make sure they don’t respond. Save the message, block the sender, and notify your wireless provider. The same applies to a fake profile targeting your child. Print a copy and report it to the social networking site.
- If you know who the bully is: Contact their parents and ask that they make sure the behavior stops, and that any posted material is removed.
- If the messages persist or contain threats, report them to the police.
Don’t punish your children for someone else’s behavior. Sonia Livingstone, a professor at the London School of Economics and Science, believes that denying your children internet access to protect them isn’t the solution - it hurts their grades and limits their social life. She also says that you don’t want to let your kids have a connection in their bedrooms. In fact, keeping the internet connection in a central location stops web surfing from becoming a solitary activity and benefits the entire family.
Article #6: Bullying Is Starting as Early as Kindergarten
If you thought the playground was tough in your day, it’s nothing compared to what little girls have to deal with now. According to the New York Times, Mean Girl Syndrome is starting earlier. Teachers and parents are seeing kindergartners bullying and harassing each other, and in many cases, parents don’t step in to help. They actively encourage the behavior.
Moms say their little girls are attacked in kindergarten and first grade for not looking or dressing right, or not having the “it” notebook. The harassment is having a serious effect on these girls. One first-grader mentioned in the article was so distressed over being bullied that she began to get night terrors. She would come home and tell her mother that she hated herself. A school guidance counselor in Boston says she sees little girls pulling their own hair out because of the stress, or throwing up before school. The harasser’s parents are often no help. Teachers and parents say a lot of mean girls come from mean moms who encourage the behavior. Some parents think it’s great that their daughter is a bully; they think it means she’s popular! Parents aren’t just leading by example. They’re also exposing their daughters to media that promotes aggression.
A study found that girls tend to pick up bad behavior they see on TV much more readily than boys, and that early exposure to bad role models on TV and in music is turning them into mini mean girls. Psychiatrists say we need to nip the problem in the bud. So, recently, the Department of Education started a program aimed at teaching five to eight year old students - especially girls - about bullying. They say we can’t afford to wait until high-school to address it. By that time, it’ll be too late. A Harvard study found that constant bullying among girls can change the way a girl perceives her self-image, and put her at a 70% higher risk of becoming obese. Girl-on-girl bullying can also lead to depression, and a higher risk of suicide. Want to go further with this? Check out StopBullyingNow.HRSA.gov.
If you thought the playground was tough in your day, it’s nothing compared to what little girls have to deal with now. According to the New York Times, Mean Girl Syndrome is starting earlier. Teachers and parents are seeing kindergartners bullying and harassing each other, and in many cases, parents don’t step in to help. They actively encourage the behavior.
Moms say their little girls are attacked in kindergarten and first grade for not looking or dressing right, or not having the “it” notebook. The harassment is having a serious effect on these girls. One first-grader mentioned in the article was so distressed over being bullied that she began to get night terrors. She would come home and tell her mother that she hated herself. A school guidance counselor in Boston says she sees little girls pulling their own hair out because of the stress, or throwing up before school. The harasser’s parents are often no help. Teachers and parents say a lot of mean girls come from mean moms who encourage the behavior. Some parents think it’s great that their daughter is a bully; they think it means she’s popular! Parents aren’t just leading by example. They’re also exposing their daughters to media that promotes aggression.
A study found that girls tend to pick up bad behavior they see on TV much more readily than boys, and that early exposure to bad role models on TV and in music is turning them into mini mean girls. Psychiatrists say we need to nip the problem in the bud. So, recently, the Department of Education started a program aimed at teaching five to eight year old students - especially girls - about bullying. They say we can’t afford to wait until high-school to address it. By that time, it’ll be too late. A Harvard study found that constant bullying among girls can change the way a girl perceives her self-image, and put her at a 70% higher risk of becoming obese. Girl-on-girl bullying can also lead to depression, and a higher risk of suicide. Want to go further with this? Check out StopBullyingNow.HRSA.gov.
Article #7: Don't Ignore Sibling Bullying
Forget about the kids at school - the most harmful bully could be your child’s very own brother or sister. That’s according to a new study from the University of New Hampshire.
They interviewed 3-thousand young children and teens. They asked things like, “Has your sibling physically hurt you, been mean, or made fun of you?” The result? One out of three children experienced sibling bullying. And all of those kids – whether the bullying was occasional and mild - or extreme and constant - had significantly higher mental distress than kids who weren’t bullied by their siblings. They also had a greater risk of anxiety, depression and anger issues.
Until now, brothers and sisters teasing and harassing each other has been considered normal. But what’s so damaging about sibling bullying is that kids are basically living 24-7 with their tormentor, so they’re constantly on edge. Whereas, a bully at school may only attack you on the bus, in the hallways or online.
Experts say that parents need to take sibling bullying just as seriously as schoolyard bullying and the best way to handle it is to make it clear that bullying isn’t acceptable – period. And consider talking to a family therapist – since the bullied child and the bully may both benefit from professional help.
Forget about the kids at school - the most harmful bully could be your child’s very own brother or sister. That’s according to a new study from the University of New Hampshire.
They interviewed 3-thousand young children and teens. They asked things like, “Has your sibling physically hurt you, been mean, or made fun of you?” The result? One out of three children experienced sibling bullying. And all of those kids – whether the bullying was occasional and mild - or extreme and constant - had significantly higher mental distress than kids who weren’t bullied by their siblings. They also had a greater risk of anxiety, depression and anger issues.
Until now, brothers and sisters teasing and harassing each other has been considered normal. But what’s so damaging about sibling bullying is that kids are basically living 24-7 with their tormentor, so they’re constantly on edge. Whereas, a bully at school may only attack you on the bus, in the hallways or online.
Experts say that parents need to take sibling bullying just as seriously as schoolyard bullying and the best way to handle it is to make it clear that bullying isn’t acceptable – period. And consider talking to a family therapist – since the bullied child and the bully may both benefit from professional help.
