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Resources to help you survive and fight bullying
STOP BULLYING NEWS
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Body Image Information Sheets
Body Image Information Sheets
Government site where you can download fact sheets about body image information
Government site where you can download fact sheets about body image information
Youngstown News, Downturn in economy brings uptick in bullying, officials say
Youngstown News, Downturn in economy brings uptick in bullying, officials say
Barbara Coloroso is recognized as a national bullying expert and wrote the book “The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander.” She said bullying is not as simple as mean kids picking on the outcasts.
“Part of the problem is that we fail to discern the difference between normal, necessary and natural conflict and bullying,” she said. “This is not about conflict but utter contempt ...Once I feel contempt for someone, I can do anything without feeling compassion.”
Coloroso said that behavior can be traced to parents who make offhand comments about people of another religion or race, meant seriously or not.
“Kids learn very young that people are different, but they have to be taught that they’re less than you,” she said.
Coloroso cites dozens of examples of extreme bullying in her book from across the country. Many were ignored by authorities, went undetected by parents or teachers or resulted in suicide.
“We ignore this at our children’s peril,” Coloroso said, adding that every complaint should be taken seriously.
“If it’s reported and affects the school climate at all, we have an obligation to deal with it,” she said.
It is going to take a long time to decrease bullying in our schools, but if we do not address it we will suffer the consequences in our homes, streets and communities.
Barbara Coloroso is recognized as a national bullying expert and wrote the book “The Bully, the Bullied and the Bystander.” She said bullying is not as simple as mean kids picking on the outcasts.
“Part of the problem is that we fail to discern the difference between normal, necessary and natural conflict and bullying,” she said. “This is not about conflict but utter contempt ...Once I feel contempt for someone, I can do anything without feeling compassion.”
Coloroso said that behavior can be traced to parents who make offhand comments about people of another religion or race, meant seriously or not.
“Kids learn very young that people are different, but they have to be taught that they’re less than you,” she said.
Coloroso cites dozens of examples of extreme bullying in her book from across the country. Many were ignored by authorities, went undetected by parents or teachers or resulted in suicide.
“We ignore this at our children’s peril,” Coloroso said, adding that every complaint should be taken seriously.
“If it’s reported and affects the school climate at all, we have an obligation to deal with it,” she said.
It is going to take a long time to decrease bullying in our schools, but if we do not address it we will suffer the consequences in our homes, streets and communities.
Debate Opinion: Students to take anti-bullying classes at G-D scho...
Debate Opinion: Students to take anti-bullying classes at G-D scho...: "Students to take anti-bullying classes at G-D schools - Nashoba Publishing Online Middle-school principal Steve Silverman said after the for..."
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Troubled preteens may become delinquents | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
Troubled preteens may become delinquents | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
MONTREAL — Preteens dabbling in vandalism, bullying and truancy are more likely to be in trouble with the law as teenagers, according to a new study by Montreal researchers.
Eric Lacourse, the study’s lead author, also said the way we deal with kids showing signs of so- called ‘conduct disorder’ may actually be detrimental.
“What we found in the research group was that youth who were sent through the legal system or placed in youth detention ended up worse,” he said.
“We haven’t developed the techniques to reduce conduct problems, but we know what doesn’t work. That’s already a step in the right direction.”
"Conduct disorders" refers to a group of behavioural problems seen in youth. Children and teens displaying these problems are involved in everything from physical aggression and property damage to more small-time rule breaking like lying, shoplifting and skipping school.
University of Montreal researchers looked at 4,125 youth when they were between 12 and 13, and again when they were between 14 and 15.
A small percentage – 1.4% - had severe conduct problems while another 13% of them showed non-aggressive symptoms of the disorder.
The more troubled kids – the ones who regularly stole, destroyed property, bullied other kids and got into fights – were found to be six times more likely to sell drugs, eight times more likely to be arrested, nine times more likely to join a gang and 11 times more likely to carry a weapon as teenagers than their peers.
But the psychologist also found that the preteens with the more mild symptoms of the disorder also had a greater risk a getting in trouble later on.
“Despite the symptoms that seemed trivial they were still at a risk for serious delinquency later,” he said.
He said it indicated that teachers and parents shouldn’t just brush off these behaviours as youthful high jinks.
The research was published in the December issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
MONTREAL — Preteens dabbling in vandalism, bullying and truancy are more likely to be in trouble with the law as teenagers, according to a new study by Montreal researchers.
Eric Lacourse, the study’s lead author, also said the way we deal with kids showing signs of so- called ‘conduct disorder’ may actually be detrimental.
“What we found in the research group was that youth who were sent through the legal system or placed in youth detention ended up worse,” he said.
“We haven’t developed the techniques to reduce conduct problems, but we know what doesn’t work. That’s already a step in the right direction.”
"Conduct disorders" refers to a group of behavioural problems seen in youth. Children and teens displaying these problems are involved in everything from physical aggression and property damage to more small-time rule breaking like lying, shoplifting and skipping school.
University of Montreal researchers looked at 4,125 youth when they were between 12 and 13, and again when they were between 14 and 15.
A small percentage – 1.4% - had severe conduct problems while another 13% of them showed non-aggressive symptoms of the disorder.
The more troubled kids – the ones who regularly stole, destroyed property, bullied other kids and got into fights – were found to be six times more likely to sell drugs, eight times more likely to be arrested, nine times more likely to join a gang and 11 times more likely to carry a weapon as teenagers than their peers.
But the psychologist also found that the preteens with the more mild symptoms of the disorder also had a greater risk a getting in trouble later on.
“Despite the symptoms that seemed trivial they were still at a risk for serious delinquency later,” he said.
He said it indicated that teachers and parents shouldn’t just brush off these behaviours as youthful high jinks.
The research was published in the December issue of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Avoiding the pitfalls of bullying, teen depression - The Prescott Daily Courier - Prescott, Arizona
Avoiding the pitfalls of bullying, teen depression - The Prescott Daily Courier - Prescott, Arizona
"Your kids need to be prepared for bullying, and they need to know that the resources are at home to help them counter it," Danielle said. "I would like the schools to be more legally equipped to take a stronger stand on bullying, and it should be brought up on a state level where teachers can do more."
"Your kids need to be prepared for bullying, and they need to know that the resources are at home to help them counter it," Danielle said. "I would like the schools to be more legally equipped to take a stronger stand on bullying, and it should be brought up on a state level where teachers can do more."
Friday, December 24, 2010
Quotes about bullying
Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.
Everyone who wants to do good to the human race always ends in universal bullying.
Bullies are always cowards at heart and may be credited with a pretty safe instinct in scenting their prey.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.
Everyone who wants to do good to the human race always ends in universal bullying.
Bullies are always cowards at heart and may be credited with a pretty safe instinct in scenting their prey.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.
Involve students in stopping bullying - CNN.com
Involve students in stopping bullying - CNN.com
First, bystanders shouldn't support bullies with attention, laughter or anything that could make them proud of what they've done. Bullies aren't usually bullying out of anger; they're trying to get something they want, like approval or social status. And in general, they need witnesses for that. So bystanders who see bullying should respond in such a way that the bully feels isolated afterward -- not more powerful or popular, not encouraged. Taking away the reward for the behavior can take away the inspiration for it.
Second, witnesses should support the targeted students. Another takeaway from the IBPA conference: Victims who've had someone defend them -- even if was just a single peer -- are better adjusted than undefended victims of bullying. So whether it's through kindness to the victim, discouragement to the bully or alerting a teacher, if a bystander stands up for a victim, the latter will probably have more strength to cope.
We already know what doesn't work when trying to stop bullying. Telling kids not to tattle does nothing to help them work through the problem; telling them that the bully will grow out of it or that people get nicer in high school and in college -- even if that's what we remember happening -- also falls on deaf ears. But empowering bystanders to take action can help alleviate the severity of bullying throughout the school.
First, bystanders shouldn't support bullies with attention, laughter or anything that could make them proud of what they've done. Bullies aren't usually bullying out of anger; they're trying to get something they want, like approval or social status. And in general, they need witnesses for that. So bystanders who see bullying should respond in such a way that the bully feels isolated afterward -- not more powerful or popular, not encouraged. Taking away the reward for the behavior can take away the inspiration for it.
Second, witnesses should support the targeted students. Another takeaway from the IBPA conference: Victims who've had someone defend them -- even if was just a single peer -- are better adjusted than undefended victims of bullying. So whether it's through kindness to the victim, discouragement to the bully or alerting a teacher, if a bystander stands up for a victim, the latter will probably have more strength to cope.
We already know what doesn't work when trying to stop bullying. Telling kids not to tattle does nothing to help them work through the problem; telling them that the bully will grow out of it or that people get nicer in high school and in college -- even if that's what we remember happening -- also falls on deaf ears. But empowering bystanders to take action can help alleviate the severity of bullying throughout the school.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Debate Opinion: Could teaching empathy stop bullying? Is empathy ...
Debate Opinion:
Could teaching empathy stop bullying? Is empathy ...: "Could teaching empathy stop bullying? Is empathy the answer and if so, what is the responsibility of the media and programs such as Austral..."
Human species are supposed to evolve not go back to pre-historic times.
Bullies have lack of empathy and parents, schools and the media should play a role in teaching society empathy.
We all need less violence and more happiness.
Could teaching empathy stop bullying? Is empathy ...: "Could teaching empathy stop bullying? Is empathy the answer and if so, what is the responsibility of the media and programs such as Austral..."
Human species are supposed to evolve not go back to pre-historic times.
Bullies have lack of empathy and parents, schools and the media should play a role in teaching society empathy.
We all need less violence and more happiness.
Offline fix for cyber bullying - Local News - News - General - The Canberra Times
Offline fix for cyber bullying - Local News - News - General - The Canberra Times
Two out of three parents think children don't understand the implications of cyberbullying.
Telstra's latest cybersafety research reveals that 62per cent of parents with children aged between 10 and 17 believe children fail to connect cyberbullying with its repercussions even though 95per cent of those parents have discussed internet safety issues with their children.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation's cybersafety general manager Jackie Van Vugt said the results showed that in addition to discussing individual safety, parents needed to talk to their children about how their online conduct might affect others.
''Cyberbullying can be quite traumatic for young people,'' she said. ''They can often feel more alone than if the bullying was occurring in person and where there's a chance someone may hear or see something and intervene.''
Ms Van Vugt said there was a range of ways children could become involved in cyberbullying, many of which were not obvious.
''Children often become involved in cyberbullying by passing on or commenting on damaging material, rather than creating it,'' she said. ''And it can be hard for kids to understand that they are actually hurting someone online because they can't see the other person's face or sense the emotional impact.''
Ms Van Vugt said there were some easy ways parents could explain to children what was acceptable or not online.
''A good way to help your child understand whether their online behaviour is acceptable is to ask them if they'd be willing to stand up at school assembly and share what they've done,'' she said.
============
A better way to help every child will be for schools to have an anti-bullying information and discussions added to school curriculum such as PDHPE.
Two out of three parents think children don't understand the implications of cyberbullying.
Telstra's latest cybersafety research reveals that 62per cent of parents with children aged between 10 and 17 believe children fail to connect cyberbullying with its repercussions even though 95per cent of those parents have discussed internet safety issues with their children.
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation's cybersafety general manager Jackie Van Vugt said the results showed that in addition to discussing individual safety, parents needed to talk to their children about how their online conduct might affect others.
''Cyberbullying can be quite traumatic for young people,'' she said. ''They can often feel more alone than if the bullying was occurring in person and where there's a chance someone may hear or see something and intervene.''
Ms Van Vugt said there was a range of ways children could become involved in cyberbullying, many of which were not obvious.
''Children often become involved in cyberbullying by passing on or commenting on damaging material, rather than creating it,'' she said. ''And it can be hard for kids to understand that they are actually hurting someone online because they can't see the other person's face or sense the emotional impact.''
Ms Van Vugt said there were some easy ways parents could explain to children what was acceptable or not online.
''A good way to help your child understand whether their online behaviour is acceptable is to ask them if they'd be willing to stand up at school assembly and share what they've done,'' she said.
============
A better way to help every child will be for schools to have an anti-bullying information and discussions added to school curriculum such as PDHPE.
Australia would be smart to recognize the harm done and take steps to stop it
School bully victims paid $1m | The Daily Telegraph
SCHOOL bullying victims have received almost $1 million in compensation from the Department of Education since January last year.
One student who was harassed over 10 years won $500,000 in a court settlement, while two children were paid more than $15,000 each after their arms were broken by bullies.
Another boy was paid more than $4200 because he claimed harassment by teachers caused him to fail his HSC.
The claims, which include both physical and severe psychological injuries up to September 30, were obtained under freedom of information laws by the Opposition.
The figures show students whose claims were settled by the department received less than those who went to court.
A student who claimed to have been assaulted and that bullying caused a psychiatric illness was given $11,636.
The claims coincide with the Child Death Review Team this year that revealed several students committed suicide in 2009 after being bullied.
One boy who claimed to suffer from gender identity disorder was "teased and threatened" at school.
Another boy was driven out of school by "taunts" in the lead-up to his suicide, while a third boy was also the subject of "taunts and bullying" while at his school.
The compensation claims show staff won payouts of more than $5000 between them over bullying cases, including ongoing sexual harassment in the school workplace and bullying and victimisation by a superior.
"These documents confirm that bullying is rife in our public schools, with both students and teachers feeling the brunt of it," Opposition education spokesman Adrian Piccoli said yesterday.
"What is worse is the state is losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in claims from students and teachers that have been victims of bullying.
"Bullying can leave its victims with severe and lasting physical and psychological damage, and it must be stamped out immediately."
A spokesman for Education Minister Verity Firth said there were 26 claims which were "a tiny proportion" of staff and students.
"We have given principals the power to impose strong sanctions to counter bullying, including suspensions of up to 20 days," he said.
"NSW public schools are among the safest places in the community for young people, and serious incidents of violence are rare."
The department has introduced a web guide for parents on cyber bullying, including tips on how to prevent it.
======
To my knowledge there is no school program to prevent bullying.
Government websites and information available are not given to school students, without mentors this problem will not be improving by itself.
Bullying is a technique for gaining power ; power that the bullies enjoy. Therefore, they will not stop at school it will continue in the workplace, family home and streets.
We need to take bullying as a real problem and action anti-bullying information and policies, no doubt it will improve students, teachers and the general population.
Australia would be smart to recognize the harm done and take steps to stop it by integrating bullying studies in their curriculum.
Education is often the key to solve all humanity problems.
SCHOOL bullying victims have received almost $1 million in compensation from the Department of Education since January last year.
One student who was harassed over 10 years won $500,000 in a court settlement, while two children were paid more than $15,000 each after their arms were broken by bullies.
Another boy was paid more than $4200 because he claimed harassment by teachers caused him to fail his HSC.
The claims, which include both physical and severe psychological injuries up to September 30, were obtained under freedom of information laws by the Opposition.
The figures show students whose claims were settled by the department received less than those who went to court.
A student who claimed to have been assaulted and that bullying caused a psychiatric illness was given $11,636.
The claims coincide with the Child Death Review Team this year that revealed several students committed suicide in 2009 after being bullied.
One boy who claimed to suffer from gender identity disorder was "teased and threatened" at school.
Another boy was driven out of school by "taunts" in the lead-up to his suicide, while a third boy was also the subject of "taunts and bullying" while at his school.
The compensation claims show staff won payouts of more than $5000 between them over bullying cases, including ongoing sexual harassment in the school workplace and bullying and victimisation by a superior.
"These documents confirm that bullying is rife in our public schools, with both students and teachers feeling the brunt of it," Opposition education spokesman Adrian Piccoli said yesterday.
"What is worse is the state is losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in claims from students and teachers that have been victims of bullying.
"Bullying can leave its victims with severe and lasting physical and psychological damage, and it must be stamped out immediately."
A spokesman for Education Minister Verity Firth said there were 26 claims which were "a tiny proportion" of staff and students.
"We have given principals the power to impose strong sanctions to counter bullying, including suspensions of up to 20 days," he said.
"NSW public schools are among the safest places in the community for young people, and serious incidents of violence are rare."
The department has introduced a web guide for parents on cyber bullying, including tips on how to prevent it.
======
To my knowledge there is no school program to prevent bullying.
Government websites and information available are not given to school students, without mentors this problem will not be improving by itself.
Bullying is a technique for gaining power ; power that the bullies enjoy. Therefore, they will not stop at school it will continue in the workplace, family home and streets.
We need to take bullying as a real problem and action anti-bullying information and policies, no doubt it will improve students, teachers and the general population.
Australia would be smart to recognize the harm done and take steps to stop it by integrating bullying studies in their curriculum.
Education is often the key to solve all humanity problems.
Students working to keep bullying out of their school - East Oregonian: News
Students working to keep bullying out of their school - East Oregonian: News
By SAMANTHA TIPLER East Oregonian | 0 comments
Students in Pilot Rock are working to change the culture of their school.
“Bullying is not needed in our school at all,” said Joey GrosJacques.
As GrosJacques sees it, Pilot Rock’s junior and senior high schools are small. That should mean everyone is closer and friendlier, but that hasn’t always been the case.
Last March the school took a devastating blow when teacher Kevin Nice was arrested for sex crimes in March. In October, he pleaded guilty to six charges. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
His victims had been students at Pilot Rock.
In the aftermath, some students were bullying the victims.
“Kids were telling me, ‘We’ve got nobody to turn to. We don’t know who we can trust. We don’t feel supported in any way by the school,’” said Jean Guidry, a school psychologist with the Umatilla-Morrow Education Service District. “That doesn’t mean there was not support, it was just their perception.”
Guidry said she saw an “undercurrent” forming where bullying was becoming the norm.
Students saw it happening and didn’t like it.
“Bullying isn’t real prevalent at our school, but it does happen,” said Amy Lee Perrine. “Nobody needs to be bullied.”
“It’s just sad to think people are getting bullied,” said Taryn Ostrom. “I’ve been bullied. I don’t like it. I don’t want to let others get bullied.”
Ostrom, Perrine, GrosJacques and other students agreed. They decided to put a stop to it.
They formed a group called “Project Zero.” The name refers to a zero-tolerance for bullying, GrosJacques said.
Guidry was drafted into the role of helping the group of students get started at the beginning of the school year.
Guidry said she’s been amazed at how the community has come together to support the students.
“They talked to the mayor and the chief of police. They went to the booster club, the education foundation in Pilot Rock and all different groups,” she said. “They said, ‘Yeah, we want your school to be a safe place for you. What do you want from us?’”
...
==========
Unite and make a difference.
By SAMANTHA TIPLER East Oregonian | 0 comments
Students in Pilot Rock are working to change the culture of their school.
“Bullying is not needed in our school at all,” said Joey GrosJacques.
As GrosJacques sees it, Pilot Rock’s junior and senior high schools are small. That should mean everyone is closer and friendlier, but that hasn’t always been the case.
Last March the school took a devastating blow when teacher Kevin Nice was arrested for sex crimes in March. In October, he pleaded guilty to six charges. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
His victims had been students at Pilot Rock.
In the aftermath, some students were bullying the victims.
“Kids were telling me, ‘We’ve got nobody to turn to. We don’t know who we can trust. We don’t feel supported in any way by the school,’” said Jean Guidry, a school psychologist with the Umatilla-Morrow Education Service District. “That doesn’t mean there was not support, it was just their perception.”
Guidry said she saw an “undercurrent” forming where bullying was becoming the norm.
Students saw it happening and didn’t like it.
“Bullying isn’t real prevalent at our school, but it does happen,” said Amy Lee Perrine. “Nobody needs to be bullied.”
“It’s just sad to think people are getting bullied,” said Taryn Ostrom. “I’ve been bullied. I don’t like it. I don’t want to let others get bullied.”
Ostrom, Perrine, GrosJacques and other students agreed. They decided to put a stop to it.
They formed a group called “Project Zero.” The name refers to a zero-tolerance for bullying, GrosJacques said.
Guidry was drafted into the role of helping the group of students get started at the beginning of the school year.
Guidry said she’s been amazed at how the community has come together to support the students.
“They talked to the mayor and the chief of police. They went to the booster club, the education foundation in Pilot Rock and all different groups,” she said. “They said, ‘Yeah, we want your school to be a safe place for you. What do you want from us?’”
...
==========
Unite and make a difference.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sky News: Findings into effects of cyber-bullying
Sky News: Findings into effects of cyber-bullying
A new report has suggested that two in three children don't understand the effects of cyber bullying.
Research from Telstra Cyber-Safety shows 62 per cent of parents surveyed with children aged between 10 and 17 years' believe children fail to connect cyber bullying with the repercussions, despite 95 percent of parents also claiming to have discussed internet safety issues with their children.
Jackie Van Vugt, General Manager Cybersafety at The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, said parents need to talk to their children about how online conduct might affect others.
'Cyber bullying can be quite traumatic for young people. Kids who are cyber bullied can feel angry, depressed, embarrassed and sometimes scared for their safety. They can often feel more alone than if the bullying was occurring in person and where there's a chance someone may hear or see something and intervene,' Ms Van Vugt said.
'Children often become involved in cyber bullying by passing on or commenting on damaging material, rather than creating it. And it can be hard for kids to understand that they are actually hurting someone online because they can't see the other person's face or sense the emotional impact,'
'A good way to help your child understand whether their online behaviour is acceptable is to ask them if they'd be willing to stand up at school assembly and share what they've done. If their answer is 'no', then they shouldn't be willing to do it online either.'
A new report has suggested that two in three children don't understand the effects of cyber bullying.
Research from Telstra Cyber-Safety shows 62 per cent of parents surveyed with children aged between 10 and 17 years' believe children fail to connect cyber bullying with the repercussions, despite 95 percent of parents also claiming to have discussed internet safety issues with their children.
Jackie Van Vugt, General Manager Cybersafety at The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, said parents need to talk to their children about how online conduct might affect others.
'Cyber bullying can be quite traumatic for young people. Kids who are cyber bullied can feel angry, depressed, embarrassed and sometimes scared for their safety. They can often feel more alone than if the bullying was occurring in person and where there's a chance someone may hear or see something and intervene,' Ms Van Vugt said.
'Children often become involved in cyber bullying by passing on or commenting on damaging material, rather than creating it. And it can be hard for kids to understand that they are actually hurting someone online because they can't see the other person's face or sense the emotional impact,'
'A good way to help your child understand whether their online behaviour is acceptable is to ask them if they'd be willing to stand up at school assembly and share what they've done. If their answer is 'no', then they shouldn't be willing to do it online either.'
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
DBCDE - eSecurity - Primary
DBCDE - eSecurity - Primary
Try this fun game where you can build your own cyber security Buddie. Click on the link to start.
The following tips and resources will also provide you with additional information so you can have a fun, safe and secure time on the internet.
Try this fun game where you can build your own cyber security Buddie. Click on the link to start.
The following tips and resources will also provide you with additional information so you can have a fun, safe and secure time on the internet.
Cybersafety help button download page | Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Cybersafety help button download page | Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Download this button for information and help dealing with bullying and safety. A great safety tool.
Download this button for information and help dealing with bullying and safety. A great safety tool.
Bullying caution - Local News - News - General - Tenterfield Star
Bullying caution - Local News - News - General - Tenterfield Star
Senior Constable Halliday, the police liaison officer for the high school, focused on cyber bullying, telling the students harassment occurs when one person is made to feel threatened or uncomfortable.
He said courts focused on how the victim felt when being harassed when making a ruling, not what the person committing the harassment had intended.
Through a number of case studies, including an example where a young student committed suicide after prolonged bullying, Senior Constable Halliday demonstrated to the students the lasting consequences of cyber bullying.
“Everyone has the right to come to school and not be bullied. My message from all of this is there is only one group who can stop the bullying – you,” he said.
Under the Crimes Act 1900 s60E students could be liable for five years imprisonment for non-physical harassment at school.
If bodily harm is caused through harassment at school, the penalty could increase to seven years, and if permanent injury is caused, the courts could potentially hand out a 12-year sentence.
Senior Constable Halliday, the police liaison officer for the high school, focused on cyber bullying, telling the students harassment occurs when one person is made to feel threatened or uncomfortable.
He said courts focused on how the victim felt when being harassed when making a ruling, not what the person committing the harassment had intended.
Through a number of case studies, including an example where a young student committed suicide after prolonged bullying, Senior Constable Halliday demonstrated to the students the lasting consequences of cyber bullying.
“Everyone has the right to come to school and not be bullied. My message from all of this is there is only one group who can stop the bullying – you,” he said.
Under the Crimes Act 1900 s60E students could be liable for five years imprisonment for non-physical harassment at school.
If bodily harm is caused through harassment at school, the penalty could increase to seven years, and if permanent injury is caused, the courts could potentially hand out a 12-year sentence.
'Don't feed the bully' | TimesDaily.com | The Times Daily | Florence, AL
Dont feed the bully; | TimesDaily.com | The Times Daily | Florence, AL
“It's a big difference in speaking in general terms when it's understood you're just joking around and in pinpointing people and making them a target,” Tassell said. “It becomes bullying when that ‘playing around' is continuous and is happening to someone over and over. Kids throughout this country are scared, feeling like they have no way out and no way to escape.”
“It's a big difference in speaking in general terms when it's understood you're just joking around and in pinpointing people and making them a target,” Tassell said. “It becomes bullying when that ‘playing around' is continuous and is happening to someone over and over. Kids throughout this country are scared, feeling like they have no way out and no way to escape.”
Empowering Our Kids: Stopping bullies before they start – amFIX - CNN.com Blogs
Empowering Our Kids: Stopping bullies before they start – amFIX - CNN.com Blogs
Parents and educators are always on the lookout for new ways to address the problem of bullying. What if there were a way to keep kids from becoming bullies in the first place?
For more than 10 years, a program in Canada has been doing just that. And the simple way they’re doing it might surprise you.
In part two of our series "Empowering Our Kids," American Morning's Kiran Chetry went to Toronto, Ontario, to look at the program, called "Roots of Empathy," and see how it’s working.
Parents and educators are always on the lookout for new ways to address the problem of bullying. What if there were a way to keep kids from becoming bullies in the first place?
For more than 10 years, a program in Canada has been doing just that. And the simple way they’re doing it might surprise you.
In part two of our series "Empowering Our Kids," American Morning's Kiran Chetry went to Toronto, Ontario, to look at the program, called "Roots of Empathy," and see how it’s working.
The Press Association: Duhamel reveals childhood bullying
The Press Association: Duhamel reveals childhood bullying
Josh Duhamel has revealed he was bullied for sticking out at school.
"I was a big, gangly awkward kid," the actor said in Hollywood.
The Transformers star hit the red carpet for a special fundraiser for The Trevor Project which focuses on suicide prevention for gay young people in the States.
"[The bullying was] maybe not to the degree that some of these kids are going through, but I can definitely understand," he said.
He added: "I want them to know that I support them and things are going to get better."
Josh Duhamel has revealed he was bullied for sticking out at school.
"I was a big, gangly awkward kid," the actor said in Hollywood.
The Transformers star hit the red carpet for a special fundraiser for The Trevor Project which focuses on suicide prevention for gay young people in the States.
"[The bullying was] maybe not to the degree that some of these kids are going through, but I can definitely understand," he said.
He added: "I want them to know that I support them and things are going to get better."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Cybersafety help button download page | Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Cybersafety help button download page | Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
The cybersafe help button can be downloaded free and allows a one-stop access point to counselling, education and reporting services.
Digital Economy Minister Stephen Conroy says users can also access links to report scams and inappropriate content.
"In line with the government's objective of promoting safe participation in the digital economy, the cybersafety help button will provide internet users, particularly children and young people, with easy and immediate online assistance to important cybersafety information and assistance," he said.
The cybersafe help button can be downloaded free and allows a one-stop access point to counselling, education and reporting services.
Digital Economy Minister Stephen Conroy says users can also access links to report scams and inappropriate content.
"In line with the government's objective of promoting safe participation in the digital economy, the cybersafety help button will provide internet users, particularly children and young people, with easy and immediate online assistance to important cybersafety information and assistance," he said.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Subscribe to Stay Smart Online to receive the lastest computer network threats
Stay Smart OnlineThe Stay Smart Online Alert Service is a free subscription based service that provides home users and small to medium enterprises with information on the latest computer network threats and vulnerabilities in simple, non-technical, easy to understand language. It will also provide solutions to help manage these risks.
Stay Smart Online-Fun Game where you can build your own cyber security Buddie
Stay Smart Online
Kids to have a good time on the internet, you need to keep yourself cyber safe and cyber secure.
We have a fun game here where you can build your own cyber security Budd:e. Click on the picture to start.
The following tips and resources will also provide you with additional information so you can have a fun, safe and secure time on the internet.
Kids to have a good time on the internet, you need to keep yourself cyber safe and cyber secure.
We have a fun game here where you can build your own cyber security Budd:e. Click on the picture to start.
The following tips and resources will also provide you with additional information so you can have a fun, safe and secure time on the internet.
Information and tips on using social networking sites
Stay Smart Online
The following page provides information and tips on using social networking sites safely, dealing with cyber bullying and online grooming and how to secure your mobile phone as well as links to other resources.
The following page provides information and tips on using social networking sites safely, dealing with cyber bullying and online grooming and how to secure your mobile phone as well as links to other resources.
Australia cyber e-security education package
Stay Smart Online
The Budd:e E-security Education Package is a series of media-rich learning activities developed for Australian primary and secondary schools. It is designed to help raise students cyber security awareness so they can stay smart online.
The Budd:e E-security Education Package is a series of media-rich learning activities developed for Australian primary and secondary schools. It is designed to help raise students cyber security awareness so they can stay smart online.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Bullying Part of Life for Kids With Asthma - ABC News
Bullying Part of Life for Kids With Asthma - ABC News
VANCOUVER -- One in 10 kids with asthma reports bullying or teasing related to the condition; its impact on other aspects of life varies from country to country, researchers found.
"It's not something as a physician we ask our children," he noted in an interview. "We think kids wouldn't do that, but it appears we're wrong and it is quite common."
The findings overall emphasize the need to talk to pediatric asthma patients about bullying specifically as well as what other impact their disease may be having on their life, he said.
Why aren't we teaching our children principles such as compassion and empathy to others less fortunate? What kind of future is humanity aspiring to?
VANCOUVER -- One in 10 kids with asthma reports bullying or teasing related to the condition; its impact on other aspects of life varies from country to country, researchers found.
"It's not something as a physician we ask our children," he noted in an interview. "We think kids wouldn't do that, but it appears we're wrong and it is quite common."
The findings overall emphasize the need to talk to pediatric asthma patients about bullying specifically as well as what other impact their disease may be having on their life, he said.
Why aren't we teaching our children principles such as compassion and empathy to others less fortunate? What kind of future is humanity aspiring to?
CathBlog - Adult bullying a social disease - CathNews
CathBlog - Adult bullying a social disease - CathNews
Adult bullying is a widespread form of abuse. It is exists in all forms of employment, cultures and organisations, including churches.
It is emotional terrorisation that can paralyse the victim. Indeed it is this powerlessness and subjugation that gives this type of violence its uniqueness.
The human and financial costs are extensive. It is estimated that in Western societies one-third to one-half of all stress-related illnesses are due to bullying at the workplace.
Bullying is the abuse of power. Individuals, groups or institutions driven by fear of their own inadequacies, seek to demean persons or groups, who are normally not in a position to defend themselves, for example women in patriarchal churches, people questioning the status quo.
Bullies will try all kinds of intimidation or terrorisation, some extremely subtle, to force people to comply. It could be constant nitpicking or fault-finding, sarcastic remarks, excessive work demands, excessive numbers of memos or letters, passive aggression, refusing to speak to a person. It could be withholding information to maintain power over the victim.
It could be breaking physical, role and emotional boundaries. For example, a bully can enter the physical territory, e.g. office space, get access to private files and computer information, without permission. Abusive language and gestures are forms of emotional invasion.
In cyber-bullying the violator uses e-mail systems or internet forums to send aggressive mails to victims. The impersonal Bullying is not a rational process, so avoid, if possible, avoid being alone with them. Seek advice.
....
We non-victims must find ways to help. If not, we collude with bullies and share in their guilt.
Adult bullying is a widespread form of abuse. It is exists in all forms of employment, cultures and organisations, including churches.
It is emotional terrorisation that can paralyse the victim. Indeed it is this powerlessness and subjugation that gives this type of violence its uniqueness.
The human and financial costs are extensive. It is estimated that in Western societies one-third to one-half of all stress-related illnesses are due to bullying at the workplace.
Bullying is the abuse of power. Individuals, groups or institutions driven by fear of their own inadequacies, seek to demean persons or groups, who are normally not in a position to defend themselves, for example women in patriarchal churches, people questioning the status quo.
Bullies will try all kinds of intimidation or terrorisation, some extremely subtle, to force people to comply. It could be constant nitpicking or fault-finding, sarcastic remarks, excessive work demands, excessive numbers of memos or letters, passive aggression, refusing to speak to a person. It could be withholding information to maintain power over the victim.
It could be breaking physical, role and emotional boundaries. For example, a bully can enter the physical territory, e.g. office space, get access to private files and computer information, without permission. Abusive language and gestures are forms of emotional invasion.
In cyber-bullying the violator uses e-mail systems or internet forums to send aggressive mails to victims. The impersonal Bullying is not a rational process, so avoid, if possible, avoid being alone with them. Seek advice.
....
We non-victims must find ways to help. If not, we collude with bullies and share in their guilt.
Anti-Bullying Website developed and managed by Australian Authorities
BULLYING. NO WAY!
A RESOURCE WEBSITE FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS.
Developed and managed by all Australian education authorities
for use by Australia's Government, Catholic and Independent school communities.
A RESOURCE WEBSITE FOR STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS.
Developed and managed by all Australian education authorities
for use by Australia's Government, Catholic and Independent school communities.
Students campaign against bullying | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer
Students campaign against bullying | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer
Four teens stood before their classmates on Friday at Lakeview Middle School, duct tape wrapped around their legs and across their abdomens.
"STOP BULLYING" was written in big block letters on the tape.
The tape and handmade posters adorned with anti-bullying, pro-unity slogans -- "Love your brother from another mother" -- were part of the group's plan to stop taunting at their school.
Theirs was one of several campaigns developed in English teacher Teri Bussler's classes, an assignment she developed after hearing a Monday speech in Battle Creek by Kevin Epling, co-director of Bully Police USA and father to a bullied suicide victim.
Bussler's students, broken into small groups, were asked to develop anti-bullying campaigns and plan how students could prevent teasing. On Friday, each group presented to their class. Later, they will present to other classes, Bussler said. Then their campaigns could be rolled out schoolwide.
Fourteen-year-old Kourtney Kipp said older kids should mentor younger kids, setting good examples in the hall. She attended the Monday speech and said she learned one thing:
"You shouldn't bully, period," she said.
Gavin Brandt, also 14, said his group focused on gossip, which he said was a big problem at his school. His group's slogan: "Hear it. Stop it. Solve it. End it." He also attended the Monday forum and said students have the most responsibility to end bullying.
"They see most of it," Brandt said. "They know what's going on and they have to stand up to it."
Megan Miller, 13, duct tape on her leg, told her classmates Friday, "You could save a life."
Four teens stood before their classmates on Friday at Lakeview Middle School, duct tape wrapped around their legs and across their abdomens.
"STOP BULLYING" was written in big block letters on the tape.
The tape and handmade posters adorned with anti-bullying, pro-unity slogans -- "Love your brother from another mother" -- were part of the group's plan to stop taunting at their school.
Theirs was one of several campaigns developed in English teacher Teri Bussler's classes, an assignment she developed after hearing a Monday speech in Battle Creek by Kevin Epling, co-director of Bully Police USA and father to a bullied suicide victim.
Bussler's students, broken into small groups, were asked to develop anti-bullying campaigns and plan how students could prevent teasing. On Friday, each group presented to their class. Later, they will present to other classes, Bussler said. Then their campaigns could be rolled out schoolwide.
Fourteen-year-old Kourtney Kipp said older kids should mentor younger kids, setting good examples in the hall. She attended the Monday speech and said she learned one thing:
"You shouldn't bully, period," she said.
Gavin Brandt, also 14, said his group focused on gossip, which he said was a big problem at his school. His group's slogan: "Hear it. Stop it. Solve it. End it." He also attended the Monday forum and said students have the most responsibility to end bullying.
"They see most of it," Brandt said. "They know what's going on and they have to stand up to it."
Megan Miller, 13, duct tape on her leg, told her classmates Friday, "You could save a life."
BERNAMA - Italian Police Shut Down Bullying Facebook Page
BERNAMA - Italian Police Shut Down Bullying Facebook Page
ROME, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- The Italian postal police on Friday blocked a Facebook page, used by a baby-gang to bully and harass one of their classmates, according to a report by China's Xinhua news agency.
The bullies had created a Facebook page where they cruelly harassed the kid, insulting and calling him all sorts of names, even threatening him. They also invited other viewers via online to treat and abuse the child in the same way.
Therefore, the Minors' Court has accused a total of seven children aged 14 as "on-line abuses" against a boy in their same classroom.
The victim, after six months of persecution, was so scared that he initially changed class and then even dropped out of school, preferring to stay home.
The bullies are also accused of "identity violation" as they had posted on Facebook a photo scam of the victim, showing his face eaten up by a terrible sexual disease.
Luckily, the victim decided to tell his parents of the nightmare he was experiencing, and later, with the parents, lodged a police report regarding the incident.
After an initial investigation, the authorities decided to block access to the Facebook page and punish the young criminals.
It was the first time that the Italian police have shut down a "bullying" webpage, a proof of how dangerous social networks can sometimes be.
Bullying, like the baby-gangs, is a phenomenon which is lately on the rise in Italy.
According to sociologists, it is mainly due to class differences between children and is facilitated by the use of Internet.
Do not let the bullies isolate you.
It's the school duty to offer you a safe environment to study, and if they do not. Tell your parents, teachers, principal, minister, news, police, etc. Do not to stop, until the bullies stop.
At work document the bullying, and if the company does not address the problem you can always take it to the courts or the news.
ROME, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- The Italian postal police on Friday blocked a Facebook page, used by a baby-gang to bully and harass one of their classmates, according to a report by China's Xinhua news agency.
The bullies had created a Facebook page where they cruelly harassed the kid, insulting and calling him all sorts of names, even threatening him. They also invited other viewers via online to treat and abuse the child in the same way.
Therefore, the Minors' Court has accused a total of seven children aged 14 as "on-line abuses" against a boy in their same classroom.
The victim, after six months of persecution, was so scared that he initially changed class and then even dropped out of school, preferring to stay home.
The bullies are also accused of "identity violation" as they had posted on Facebook a photo scam of the victim, showing his face eaten up by a terrible sexual disease.
Luckily, the victim decided to tell his parents of the nightmare he was experiencing, and later, with the parents, lodged a police report regarding the incident.
After an initial investigation, the authorities decided to block access to the Facebook page and punish the young criminals.
It was the first time that the Italian police have shut down a "bullying" webpage, a proof of how dangerous social networks can sometimes be.
Bullying, like the baby-gangs, is a phenomenon which is lately on the rise in Italy.
According to sociologists, it is mainly due to class differences between children and is facilitated by the use of Internet.
Do not let the bullies isolate you.
It's the school duty to offer you a safe environment to study, and if they do not. Tell your parents, teachers, principal, minister, news, police, etc. Do not to stop, until the bullies stop.
At work document the bullying, and if the company does not address the problem you can always take it to the courts or the news.
The Tricky Politics of Tween Bullying – TIME Healthland
The Tricky Politics of Tween Bullying – TIME Healthland
Consider the numbers: An estimated half of sixth-graders are bullied in a week, and roughly four in five students report being verbally harassed in middle school. Further, in a survey by UCLA researchers, more than 70% of teens acknowledged being bullied online at least once a year. Indeed, the rate of bullying peaks when kids are 10 to 13 years old — and that's when its effects are arguably at their worst as well. (More on Time.com: When Bullying Turns Deadly: Can It Be Stopped?)
It turns out, the social standing of the bully and the victim makes a difference. The researchers found that, when a popular student bullies other kids, he or she doesn't get stigmatized; the student is exempted from what Adams calls "the blowback typically associated with aggression."
The same cannot be said for the victims of bullies, however. Victims who turn aggressive and bully other kids turn out to be the least liked kids in middle school. Worse, the findings suggest that no one cares when these kids are bullied.
"If parents and teachers assume that peers always have negative perceptions of those who behave aggressively, [then] the present study shows that this assumption is not necessarily accurate," says Kathryn LaFontana, an expert in peer relationships.
So what can parents and teachers do? To begin with, they should recognize what victimization is. "A lot of times with principals, teachers and even parents, they think, 'Oh, these are just kids being kids,'" Adams says. "But much of the aggression is much more subtle. And by ignoring them, you're reinforcing them."
How a kid attacks or reacts matters greatly too. An aggressive victim who's not proficient in schoolyard politics may react to being bullied in over-the-top ways that cut further at his social standing. And when he bullies other kids himself, it's usually not in the winsome ways of the popular kid, who knows how to get away with bad behavior. The most popular tween shrewdly uses laughter, for instance, so he doesn't come across as too mean when gossiping. (More on Time.com: How to Bully-Proof Young Girls)
"They're not likable so it might be easier for teachers to look the other way," he says. "But reaching out to them and understanding that there's a lot more behind that negative behavior you don't like might help."
And what about the popular bullies — how should they be punished? This is where things get murkier for psychologist Patricia Hawley.
"What if aggression fosters personal growth such as self-esteem and wins high regard from the social group at the same time? The fact of the matter is that effective adults use relational aggression all the time," Hawley says. "We reward them with respect and higher salaries."
For Adams, things aren't so gray. He notes that, fortunately, relational aggression becomes less and less accepted after the tween years. Still, he worries that being aggressive may be confounded with being assertive, and this may send a message that there are benefits to bullying. (More on Time.com: New Laws Target Workplace Bullying)
"There may be success at work, but there are also other issues like 'Do you feel good?' 'Are you anxious?' and 'Do you have friends?'" he says, adding, "Is relational aggression something you have to do to get ahead? I don't think so."
So what message would Adams tell victimized kids? Not surprisingly, it's a familiar one: It gets better.
Consider the numbers: An estimated half of sixth-graders are bullied in a week, and roughly four in five students report being verbally harassed in middle school. Further, in a survey by UCLA researchers, more than 70% of teens acknowledged being bullied online at least once a year. Indeed, the rate of bullying peaks when kids are 10 to 13 years old — and that's when its effects are arguably at their worst as well. (More on Time.com: When Bullying Turns Deadly: Can It Be Stopped?)
It turns out, the social standing of the bully and the victim makes a difference. The researchers found that, when a popular student bullies other kids, he or she doesn't get stigmatized; the student is exempted from what Adams calls "the blowback typically associated with aggression."
The same cannot be said for the victims of bullies, however. Victims who turn aggressive and bully other kids turn out to be the least liked kids in middle school. Worse, the findings suggest that no one cares when these kids are bullied.
"If parents and teachers assume that peers always have negative perceptions of those who behave aggressively, [then] the present study shows that this assumption is not necessarily accurate," says Kathryn LaFontana, an expert in peer relationships.
So what can parents and teachers do? To begin with, they should recognize what victimization is. "A lot of times with principals, teachers and even parents, they think, 'Oh, these are just kids being kids,'" Adams says. "But much of the aggression is much more subtle. And by ignoring them, you're reinforcing them."
How a kid attacks or reacts matters greatly too. An aggressive victim who's not proficient in schoolyard politics may react to being bullied in over-the-top ways that cut further at his social standing. And when he bullies other kids himself, it's usually not in the winsome ways of the popular kid, who knows how to get away with bad behavior. The most popular tween shrewdly uses laughter, for instance, so he doesn't come across as too mean when gossiping. (More on Time.com: How to Bully-Proof Young Girls)
"They're not likable so it might be easier for teachers to look the other way," he says. "But reaching out to them and understanding that there's a lot more behind that negative behavior you don't like might help."
And what about the popular bullies — how should they be punished? This is where things get murkier for psychologist Patricia Hawley.
"What if aggression fosters personal growth such as self-esteem and wins high regard from the social group at the same time? The fact of the matter is that effective adults use relational aggression all the time," Hawley says. "We reward them with respect and higher salaries."
For Adams, things aren't so gray. He notes that, fortunately, relational aggression becomes less and less accepted after the tween years. Still, he worries that being aggressive may be confounded with being assertive, and this may send a message that there are benefits to bullying. (More on Time.com: New Laws Target Workplace Bullying)
"There may be success at work, but there are also other issues like 'Do you feel good?' 'Are you anxious?' and 'Do you have friends?'" he says, adding, "Is relational aggression something you have to do to get ahead? I don't think so."
So what message would Adams tell victimized kids? Not surprisingly, it's a familiar one: It gets better.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Project tackles cyber bullying | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast Chronicle
Project tackles cyber bullying | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast Chronicle
Councillor Belinda McNeven said: “A lot of cyber bullying occurs because of this Facebook phenomena. “Children are posting their feelings instantaneously, instead of taking the time to consider how they might make other people feel if they put such information up for the world to see. Kids need to think before they act. But the truth is it's just not OK to bully people.”
Hervey Bay's Cyber Safety Project committee recognised the problem bullying plays both in the schoolyard and over the internet and have given the project their utmost support.
“Fraser Coast youth workers have identified that cyber bullying is an emerging crime and hope this further initiative will help address the issue,” Ms Hammond said.
“I hope that by talking with youths I will be able to develop strategies to help parents and youths.”
Councillor Belinda McNeven said: “A lot of cyber bullying occurs because of this Facebook phenomena. “Children are posting their feelings instantaneously, instead of taking the time to consider how they might make other people feel if they put such information up for the world to see. Kids need to think before they act. But the truth is it's just not OK to bully people.”
Hervey Bay's Cyber Safety Project committee recognised the problem bullying plays both in the schoolyard and over the internet and have given the project their utmost support.
“Fraser Coast youth workers have identified that cyber bullying is an emerging crime and hope this further initiative will help address the issue,” Ms Hammond said.
“I hope that by talking with youths I will be able to develop strategies to help parents and youths.”
Suicide pact twin wrote of bullying to Columbine survivor - World News - World - General - Newcastle Herald
Suicide pact twin wrote of bullying to Columbine survivor - World News - World - General - Newcastle Herald
DENVER, Colorado: Kristin Hermeler, who took her own life in an attempted suicide pact with her twin sister last week, wrote letters to and phoned one of the survivors of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Kristin, then 18, wrote to Brooks Brown, a former friend of the killers, in the months after Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris murdered 12 students and a teacher in April 1999 at the high school in Denver's southern suburbs not far from the gun range where the two women shot themselves last week.
In the first of two letters, dated June 12, 1999, Kristin said she was writing ''as someone who has been rejected, victimised and ostracised in their life'' to thank Brown for giving Harris a second chance at friendship, adding in the second letter, a month later, ''not a day goes by that I do not think about what happened. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you, dealing with everything.''
Unless you are relentlessly bullied, you do not know the torture and pain it causes, and the emotional changes a person experiences.
Bullying is cruel and needs to be addressed if we want to create a peaceful and happy world.
To all that are bullied, unite and peacefully fight against bullying.
Do not ever waste your life or the life of others it will not change anything. If we unite and fight it peacefully, we can change the world.
Look what Mandela and Gandhi achieved.
DENVER, Colorado: Kristin Hermeler, who took her own life in an attempted suicide pact with her twin sister last week, wrote letters to and phoned one of the survivors of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.
Kristin, then 18, wrote to Brooks Brown, a former friend of the killers, in the months after Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris murdered 12 students and a teacher in April 1999 at the high school in Denver's southern suburbs not far from the gun range where the two women shot themselves last week.
In the first of two letters, dated June 12, 1999, Kristin said she was writing ''as someone who has been rejected, victimised and ostracised in their life'' to thank Brown for giving Harris a second chance at friendship, adding in the second letter, a month later, ''not a day goes by that I do not think about what happened. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you, dealing with everything.''
Unless you are relentlessly bullied, you do not know the torture and pain it causes, and the emotional changes a person experiences.
Bullying is cruel and needs to be addressed if we want to create a peaceful and happy world.
To all that are bullied, unite and peacefully fight against bullying.
Do not ever waste your life or the life of others it will not change anything. If we unite and fight it peacefully, we can change the world.
Look what Mandela and Gandhi achieved.
QUT | News | Bullying parents produce bullying children
QUT | News | Bullying parents produce bullying children
Bullying parents produce bullying children
Just telling bullies that they shouldn't bully is not enough, says Associate Professor Marilyn Campbell from Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) Faculty of Education.
Professor Campbell said the negative consequences for a childhood bully were just as severe as the consequences of being a victim.
"Bullies go onto have lots of relationship issues. They have difficulty in romantic relationships. Only people who are scared of them are their companions, their henchmen, in primary school" she said.
"Bullies in primary school have been shown to be more likely to be convicted of a criminal offence before they reach their twenties than children who are not involved in bullying a 2006 study has shown.
"They also often have drug and alcohol misuse problems because they self-medicate as they haven't figured out how to have good relationships."
Professor Campbell said bullying was a learnt behaviour and that children learned from their families how to be bullies.
...
"When children see domestic violence, which can be both physical and emotional abuse, they see that unequal power can be used to get your own way. Parents may talk at the dinner table about their own bullying behaviour in the workplace and children pick that up as a method of getting what you want.
"On top of this, lots of media show that bullies win. Bullying is a deeply embedded social relationship problem."
Professor Campbell said community, not just school, resources had to be put into engaging the family of the bully to reach the parents who do not recognize or see anything wrong with bullying.
Bullying parents produce bullying children
Just telling bullies that they shouldn't bully is not enough, says Associate Professor Marilyn Campbell from Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) Faculty of Education.
Professor Campbell said the negative consequences for a childhood bully were just as severe as the consequences of being a victim.
"Bullies go onto have lots of relationship issues. They have difficulty in romantic relationships. Only people who are scared of them are their companions, their henchmen, in primary school" she said.
"Bullies in primary school have been shown to be more likely to be convicted of a criminal offence before they reach their twenties than children who are not involved in bullying a 2006 study has shown.
"They also often have drug and alcohol misuse problems because they self-medicate as they haven't figured out how to have good relationships."
Professor Campbell said bullying was a learnt behaviour and that children learned from their families how to be bullies.
...
"When children see domestic violence, which can be both physical and emotional abuse, they see that unequal power can be used to get your own way. Parents may talk at the dinner table about their own bullying behaviour in the workplace and children pick that up as a method of getting what you want.
"On top of this, lots of media show that bullies win. Bullying is a deeply embedded social relationship problem."
Professor Campbell said community, not just school, resources had to be put into engaging the family of the bully to reach the parents who do not recognize or see anything wrong with bullying.
Cyber-bullying blamed for brawls - Local News - News - General - The Border Mail
Cyber-bullying blamed for brawls - Local News - News - General - The Border Mail
CYBER-bullying has been blamed for an escalation of youth violence in Albury.
“There’s been an alarming increase in the number of reports we’ve had of kids being bullied over social networking sites like Facebook where cowards get on the computer ... and put some pretty nasty comments on there,” Insp John Wadsworth, of Albury police, said.
“What we’re also finding as a result of this is there’s been a spike in assaults with young kids involved.”
Police said children as young as 10 were embroiled in the violence, with the average age being between 12 and 16.
Fights usually took place after school, between 3pm and 5pm, and at a variety of locations including skate parks and shopping centres.
“There’s been an alarming increase in the number of reports we’ve had of kids being bullied over social networking sites like Facebook where cowards get on the computer ... and put some pretty nasty comments on there,” Insp John Wadsworth, of Albury police, said.
“What we’re also finding as a result of this is there’s been a spike in assaults with young kids involved.”
Police said children as young as 10 were embroiled in the violence, with the average age being between 12 and 16.
Fights usually took place after school, between 3pm and 5pm, and at a variety of locations including skate parks and shopping centres.
“The parents have actually to teach their kids how to resolve conflicts without using their fists,” she said.
CYBER-bullying has been blamed for an escalation of youth violence in Albury.
“There’s been an alarming increase in the number of reports we’ve had of kids being bullied over social networking sites like Facebook where cowards get on the computer ... and put some pretty nasty comments on there,” Insp John Wadsworth, of Albury police, said.
“What we’re also finding as a result of this is there’s been a spike in assaults with young kids involved.”
Police said children as young as 10 were embroiled in the violence, with the average age being between 12 and 16.
Fights usually took place after school, between 3pm and 5pm, and at a variety of locations including skate parks and shopping centres.
“There’s been an alarming increase in the number of reports we’ve had of kids being bullied over social networking sites like Facebook where cowards get on the computer ... and put some pretty nasty comments on there,” Insp John Wadsworth, of Albury police, said.
“What we’re also finding as a result of this is there’s been a spike in assaults with young kids involved.”
Police said children as young as 10 were embroiled in the violence, with the average age being between 12 and 16.
Fights usually took place after school, between 3pm and 5pm, and at a variety of locations including skate parks and shopping centres.
“The parents have actually to teach their kids how to resolve conflicts without using their fists,” she said.
Bullying drives family from town | Rockhampton News | Local News in Rockhampton | Rockhampton Morning Bulletin
Bullying drives family from town | Rockhampton News | Local News in Rockhampton | Rockhampton Morning Bulletin
THREE years of merciless bullying has finally driven a Blackwater State High student and his family from the town.
The mother of the 16-year-old boy, who suffers from disabilities including epilepsy and diabetes, said after years of taunts and physical violence, an incident last Tuesday was the final straw.
“We've dealt with it and we've dealt with it and now I've just had enough,” she said.
“In the last three years my son has been picked up by the throat and pushed up against a brick wall, he's been punched in the arm, and he's been constantly subjected to cruel remarks.
“I have yet to find out what took place last Tuesday – he has clammed up and will not talk about it, but he was ropeable when he got back from school – really, really upset.”
The mother described her desperation as she struggled with the school and authorities to stop the bullying:
“I've been in to the school countless times.
“I've been to see the principal, and I've been to the education department. I've done absolutely everything in my power and the response is always the same: ‘We'll talk to your son, we'll talk to the bullies'. It never happens.
“Last year at school he was strangled by a child and the child wasn't even suspended.”
The constant bullying has taken its toll on her son's mental health, she said.
“He has tried to commit suicide three times – he has tried to jump in front of a car on the back streets near the school and he has also tried to overdose on insulin. He has no self-confidence and no self-esteem – he's just a wrecked little kid.”
Left with no choice but to remove her son from the school, the mother says she feels let down by the teachers and education authorities.
“The bullying should have been addressed a long time ago instead of letting it get to this point,” she said.
“I understand school-yard bullying, but this has gone way beyond that and nothing has been done.”
Bullying is very real in Australia, not long ago a lady was abused and laughed in a shopping center, because she did not have any hair due to cancer treatment, a lot of people were present and no one said anything in her defense.
Despite thousands of people being diagnosed with cancer and doing treatment, we do not see many women without hair ...maybe it is not just due to vanity.
Do you see disability people in the media or in the streets? Glee is addressing that but we need more ...
We need to be more empathic and educated about disabilities. How? Less emphasis in the looks by the magazines, and media, more on other attributes such as intelligence and good citizenship and school programs that address this type of bullying and unacceptable rules with hard consequences.
I really do not understand how children are not educated to be tolerant and humane to other people problems. Very sad indeed.
The government and the community should address bullying, the family should not have to move. what about the future abuse the bullies will cause.
They should not get away with a simple slap in the wrist, they are not learning any lessons and will continue to torture others in the future.
Not addressing this problem when they should will cause the community to have violence in their streets, workplace and in families.
THREE years of merciless bullying has finally driven a Blackwater State High student and his family from the town.
The mother of the 16-year-old boy, who suffers from disabilities including epilepsy and diabetes, said after years of taunts and physical violence, an incident last Tuesday was the final straw.
“We've dealt with it and we've dealt with it and now I've just had enough,” she said.
“In the last three years my son has been picked up by the throat and pushed up against a brick wall, he's been punched in the arm, and he's been constantly subjected to cruel remarks.
“I have yet to find out what took place last Tuesday – he has clammed up and will not talk about it, but he was ropeable when he got back from school – really, really upset.”
The mother described her desperation as she struggled with the school and authorities to stop the bullying:
“I've been in to the school countless times.
“I've been to see the principal, and I've been to the education department. I've done absolutely everything in my power and the response is always the same: ‘We'll talk to your son, we'll talk to the bullies'. It never happens.
“Last year at school he was strangled by a child and the child wasn't even suspended.”
The constant bullying has taken its toll on her son's mental health, she said.
“He has tried to commit suicide three times – he has tried to jump in front of a car on the back streets near the school and he has also tried to overdose on insulin. He has no self-confidence and no self-esteem – he's just a wrecked little kid.”
Left with no choice but to remove her son from the school, the mother says she feels let down by the teachers and education authorities.
“The bullying should have been addressed a long time ago instead of letting it get to this point,” she said.
“I understand school-yard bullying, but this has gone way beyond that and nothing has been done.”
Bullying is very real in Australia, not long ago a lady was abused and laughed in a shopping center, because she did not have any hair due to cancer treatment, a lot of people were present and no one said anything in her defense.
Despite thousands of people being diagnosed with cancer and doing treatment, we do not see many women without hair ...maybe it is not just due to vanity.
Do you see disability people in the media or in the streets? Glee is addressing that but we need more ...
We need to be more empathic and educated about disabilities. How? Less emphasis in the looks by the magazines, and media, more on other attributes such as intelligence and good citizenship and school programs that address this type of bullying and unacceptable rules with hard consequences.
I really do not understand how children are not educated to be tolerant and humane to other people problems. Very sad indeed.
The government and the community should address bullying, the family should not have to move. what about the future abuse the bullies will cause.
They should not get away with a simple slap in the wrist, they are not learning any lessons and will continue to torture others in the future.
Not addressing this problem when they should will cause the community to have violence in their streets, workplace and in families.
Bullying must stop says Northern Ireland Minister Kelly | Northern Ireland Executive
14 October 2010 - Bullying must stop says Minister Kelly | Northern Ireland Executive
The pocket-sized booklet has been produced by the North-Belfast-based Tar Isteach Youth Project and will be distributed through local schools, youth and community centres and GP surgeries.
“Bullying is a form of abuse. This abuse can be emotional, verbal or physical and like all forms of abuse, it is totally unacceptable in a respectful and tolerant society,” said Minister Kelly.
“I do not think a bully always realises the very serious implications of their actions. Bullying is not a game and does not make anybody look ‘big’ or ‘important’. It can have long-term affects including leaving the person feeling alone, depressed or anxious. It may even leave the person feeling so desperate that they cannot see a way to get through it. That is why it is vital that this issue is addressed and, as the booklet being launched today rightly says, we all have a responsibility to stop bullying.
The pocket-sized booklet has been produced by the North-Belfast-based Tar Isteach Youth Project and will be distributed through local schools, youth and community centres and GP surgeries.
“Bullying is a form of abuse. This abuse can be emotional, verbal or physical and like all forms of abuse, it is totally unacceptable in a respectful and tolerant society,” said Minister Kelly.
“I do not think a bully always realises the very serious implications of their actions. Bullying is not a game and does not make anybody look ‘big’ or ‘important’. It can have long-term affects including leaving the person feeling alone, depressed or anxious. It may even leave the person feeling so desperate that they cannot see a way to get through it. That is why it is vital that this issue is addressed and, as the booklet being launched today rightly says, we all have a responsibility to stop bullying.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bullies to feel the heat of MySchool principle
Bullies to feel the heat of MySchool principle
A global study of year 4 students in 2008 showed that Australian children suffer more victimisation than their counterparts in other countries.
The study by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement said Australian primary school students were victims of bullying at a rate almost 50 per cent above the average, putting Australia in the worst category for bullying.
Dr Rigby said teachers lacked education about how to manage bullying at their schools.
''It's an area of training which is rather neglected. Teachers need to be taught alternative methods,'' he said.
I wonder what is the ratio of the bullying in 2010?
The teachers can not solve cyber-bullying, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by all the community(government, media, sports, teachers, students and parents)and appropriate programs given to us all about rights, responsibilities and consequences of bullying.
A global study of year 4 students in 2008 showed that Australian children suffer more victimisation than their counterparts in other countries.
The study by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement said Australian primary school students were victims of bullying at a rate almost 50 per cent above the average, putting Australia in the worst category for bullying.
Dr Rigby said teachers lacked education about how to manage bullying at their schools.
''It's an area of training which is rather neglected. Teachers need to be taught alternative methods,'' he said.
I wonder what is the ratio of the bullying in 2010?
The teachers can not solve cyber-bullying, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by all the community(government, media, sports, teachers, students and parents)and appropriate programs given to us all about rights, responsibilities and consequences of bullying.
Six ways of dealing with bullying - News - Virtual Medical Centre
Six ways of dealing with bullying - News - Virtual Medical Centre
"There are now several known methods of intervention that have been shown to be effective in many situations but they are simply not being employed in many schools," Dr Rigby said.
"Cases of bullying are not all alike and therefore may require different methods. There are six major methods of intervention in cases of school bullying."
Dr Rigby says that research in the UK, Australia and the US shows that about 30 per cent of students report bullying to teachers, but around 50 per cent of students said reporting it did not improve the situation.
"This is a really worrying statistic," Dr Rigby said. "It seems that schools are not accessing and making use of what is now known about countering bullying.
"Further research undertaken across many countries, including Australia, shows that the disciplinary approach is seen by about 75 per cent of school staff as the most appropriate way of dealing with most forms of bullying.
"There are now several known methods of intervention that have been shown to be effective in many situations but they are simply not being employed in many schools," Dr Rigby said.
"Cases of bullying are not all alike and therefore may require different methods. There are six major methods of intervention in cases of school bullying."
Dr Rigby says that research in the UK, Australia and the US shows that about 30 per cent of students report bullying to teachers, but around 50 per cent of students said reporting it did not improve the situation.
"This is a really worrying statistic," Dr Rigby said. "It seems that schools are not accessing and making use of what is now known about countering bullying.
"Further research undertaken across many countries, including Australia, shows that the disciplinary approach is seen by about 75 per cent of school staff as the most appropriate way of dealing with most forms of bullying.
Low self-esteem leads to bullying | Tweed News | Local News in Tweed | Tweed Daily News
Low self-esteem leads to bullying | Tweed News | Local News in Tweed | Tweed Daily News
BULLIES cannot associate with others emotionally, according to Bond University's Associate Professor of Criminology.
Prof Wayne Petherick's comments follow yesterday's story about a 15-year-old Tweed River High School student who has been constantly harassed and tormented.
“Bullies are actually unable to appreciate the consequences of their actions,” he said. “Bullies also tend to have low empathy; they cannot associate with others on an emotional level.”
In the most-severe incident, the victim was knocked unconscious during a science class.
“The teacher intervened immediately, first aid was applied, and the parents and ambulance were immediately called,” an Education Department spokesman said. “Overall the student and his family have received continuing support in a number of ways, for instance behaviour support for the student.”
Prof Petherick said he believed low self-esteem was a key factor of bullying, both with the perpetrator and the victim.
“Somebody with low self-esteem may become a bully to feel better.”
BULLIES cannot associate with others emotionally, according to Bond University's Associate Professor of Criminology.
Prof Wayne Petherick's comments follow yesterday's story about a 15-year-old Tweed River High School student who has been constantly harassed and tormented.
“Bullies are actually unable to appreciate the consequences of their actions,” he said. “Bullies also tend to have low empathy; they cannot associate with others on an emotional level.”
In the most-severe incident, the victim was knocked unconscious during a science class.
“The teacher intervened immediately, first aid was applied, and the parents and ambulance were immediately called,” an Education Department spokesman said. “Overall the student and his family have received continuing support in a number of ways, for instance behaviour support for the student.”
Prof Petherick said he believed low self-esteem was a key factor of bullying, both with the perpetrator and the victim.
“Somebody with low self-esteem may become a bully to feel better.”
Bullied girl hits out at school | Sunshine Coast News | Local News in Sunshine Coast
Bullied girl hits out at school | Sunshine Coast News | Local News in Sunshine Coast
A YEAR 11 Coolum State High student claims the school’s response to her being bullied and threatened by classmates – including on Facebook – was to suggest that she pretend to be suspended.
Savannah Love, 16, has described the school’s treatment of her as “disgusting” and says she now has no respect for teachers.
While the brave Coolum Beach teen claimed that a senior teacher told her to act suspended for the final two weeks of the school year when she revealed the bullying and threats to him on November 12, she said the offending girls went unpunished.
The senior teacher told her that she could come to school do her remaining exams, but suggested she do them in seclusion, the student claimed.
She also alleged that she showed three senior teachers, including the school’s principal Lee Goossens, printouts of threats made against her on the Facebook of one of the bullies and still they did nothing.
Savannah, who described herself as a good student, said the group of about five girls had been severely bullying her since she returned to school after the September holidays .
Having blocked the bullies’ attempts to gain access to her Facebook, she said they posted the threatening comments knowing that one of her friends would see them.
A YEAR 11 Coolum State High student claims the school’s response to her being bullied and threatened by classmates – including on Facebook – was to suggest that she pretend to be suspended.
Savannah Love, 16, has described the school’s treatment of her as “disgusting” and says she now has no respect for teachers.
While the brave Coolum Beach teen claimed that a senior teacher told her to act suspended for the final two weeks of the school year when she revealed the bullying and threats to him on November 12, she said the offending girls went unpunished.
The senior teacher told her that she could come to school do her remaining exams, but suggested she do them in seclusion, the student claimed.
She also alleged that she showed three senior teachers, including the school’s principal Lee Goossens, printouts of threats made against her on the Facebook of one of the bullies and still they did nothing.
Savannah, who described herself as a good student, said the group of about five girls had been severely bullying her since she returned to school after the September holidays .
Having blocked the bullies’ attempts to gain access to her Facebook, she said they posted the threatening comments knowing that one of her friends would see them.
Tackling bullying - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Tackling bullying - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
DARREN STOPS: The covert bullying is more along the lines of the death stares and the rumors and the sort of outing behavior putting public information out about students to shame or humiliate them.
Our government should recruit specialists to present programs to schools in the beginning of each year.
There are many anti-bullying resources available, but quite often teachers, students and parents are not given information of their rights, duties, responsibilities and the consequences of bullying.
For Australia to have schools, workplaces, families and streets safe, all(government, media, psychologists, teachers, students and parents) have to join forces and stop the bullying trend.
Bullies are using technology to follow the bullied, harass them at home and everywhere, it needs to stop.
DARREN STOPS: The covert bullying is more along the lines of the death stares and the rumors and the sort of outing behavior putting public information out about students to shame or humiliate them.
Our government should recruit specialists to present programs to schools in the beginning of each year.
There are many anti-bullying resources available, but quite often teachers, students and parents are not given information of their rights, duties, responsibilities and the consequences of bullying.
For Australia to have schools, workplaces, families and streets safe, all(government, media, psychologists, teachers, students and parents) have to join forces and stop the bullying trend.
Bullies are using technology to follow the bullied, harass them at home and everywhere, it needs to stop.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Hall High School stands up against bullying - News - West Hartford News
Hall High School stands up against bullying - News - West Hartford News
We all know that bullying at schools is of nationwide concern, but students at Hall are determined to Stand Up Against Bullying!
Beginning Nov. 15, students completed a week of activities addressing issues of bullying in their school that included students completing an online bullying/climate survey written by the Student/Faculty Committee. Students signed a “Together We Can” pledge to stand up against bullying written by the Multicultural Club and students purchased “Don’t Be a Meanie” bracelets from members of the Action Club. Staff wore “Together We Can” buttons made by special education students. Statements from students about the “Face of Bullying at Hall” were
placed throughout the building while information about bullying was given out at parent conferences by members of the Community Service Club. Students wore blue and white to “Stand Up Against Bullying” on Friday; and at the close of the pep rally the cheerleaders held up “Stand Up Against Bullying” signs and everyone stood up to symbolize efforts to stop bullying.
Together We Can…
Stand Up Against Bullying
Bullying can be pushing, shoving, hitting and spitting as well as name calling, picking on, making fun of, laughing at, and excluding someone. Bullying causes pain and stress and is never justified or excusable as “kids being kids,” “just teasing” or any other rationalization.
We, the students of Hall High School, believe that everybody should enjoy our school equally, and feel safe, secure and accepted regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, popularity, athletic ability, disability, intelligence, religion or nationality.
We, the students of Hall High School, agree to join together to stamp out bullying at our school and pledge to make a difference by:
• protecting friends, family and even strangers against bullying by being an ally
• refusing to be a bystander by standing up for someone being bullied
• remembering not to get involved in bullying face to face or online
• valuing student differences and treating everyone with respect
• being a good role model for younger students and supporting them if bullying occurs
We all know that bullying at schools is of nationwide concern, but students at Hall are determined to Stand Up Against Bullying!
Beginning Nov. 15, students completed a week of activities addressing issues of bullying in their school that included students completing an online bullying/climate survey written by the Student/Faculty Committee. Students signed a “Together We Can” pledge to stand up against bullying written by the Multicultural Club and students purchased “Don’t Be a Meanie” bracelets from members of the Action Club. Staff wore “Together We Can” buttons made by special education students. Statements from students about the “Face of Bullying at Hall” were
placed throughout the building while information about bullying was given out at parent conferences by members of the Community Service Club. Students wore blue and white to “Stand Up Against Bullying” on Friday; and at the close of the pep rally the cheerleaders held up “Stand Up Against Bullying” signs and everyone stood up to symbolize efforts to stop bullying.
Together We Can…
Stand Up Against Bullying
Bullying can be pushing, shoving, hitting and spitting as well as name calling, picking on, making fun of, laughing at, and excluding someone. Bullying causes pain and stress and is never justified or excusable as “kids being kids,” “just teasing” or any other rationalization.
We, the students of Hall High School, believe that everybody should enjoy our school equally, and feel safe, secure and accepted regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, popularity, athletic ability, disability, intelligence, religion or nationality.
We, the students of Hall High School, agree to join together to stamp out bullying at our school and pledge to make a difference by:
• protecting friends, family and even strangers against bullying by being an ally
• refusing to be a bystander by standing up for someone being bullied
• remembering not to get involved in bullying face to face or online
• valuing student differences and treating everyone with respect
• being a good role model for younger students and supporting them if bullying occurs
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Bullying addressed in local schools | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer
Bullying addressed in local schools | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer
Nicholas, a 14-year-old eighth-grader at W.K. Kellogg Middle School, has autism and sensory integration dysfunction, Shook said, and he gets bullied for it regularly. "The danger zone" consists of classes where the taunting -- mostly verbal, sometimes physical -- are the worst, Shook said.
"The kids know when they can get away with it," he said.
The 47-old-parent said the school disciplined students and orchestrated a meeting between Shook and the bullies' parents, but still Nicholas is picked on.
So Shook recently picketed outside his son's school, trying to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying and rally support for state lawmakers to pass an anti-bullying law.
...
Bullies are just as likely to be popular, athletic, well-liked kids as they are to be social outcasts lashing out for attention, researchers have found.
nterviewed for Education.com, the Committee for Children's Miriam Hirschstein said kids bully for "social mileage" -- they put others down to build themselves up. And researchers found children become chronic bullies when they believe violence or put-downs are acceptable behavior.
Nicholas, a 14-year-old eighth-grader at W.K. Kellogg Middle School, has autism and sensory integration dysfunction, Shook said, and he gets bullied for it regularly. "The danger zone" consists of classes where the taunting -- mostly verbal, sometimes physical -- are the worst, Shook said.
"The kids know when they can get away with it," he said.
The 47-old-parent said the school disciplined students and orchestrated a meeting between Shook and the bullies' parents, but still Nicholas is picked on.
So Shook recently picketed outside his son's school, trying to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying and rally support for state lawmakers to pass an anti-bullying law.
...
Bullies are just as likely to be popular, athletic, well-liked kids as they are to be social outcasts lashing out for attention, researchers have found.
nterviewed for Education.com, the Committee for Children's Miriam Hirschstein said kids bully for "social mileage" -- they put others down to build themselves up. And researchers found children become chronic bullies when they believe violence or put-downs are acceptable behavior.
Inside the bullied brain - The Boston Globe
Inside the bullied brain - The Boston Globe
A new wave of research into bullying’s effects, however, is now suggesting something more than that — that in fact, bullying can leave an indelible imprint on a teen’s brain at a time when it is still growing and developing. Being ostracized by one’s peers, it seems, can throw adolescent hormones even further out of whack, lead to reduced connectivity in the brain, and even sabotage the growth of new neurons.
These neurological scars, it turns out, closely resemble those borne by children who are physically and sexually abused in early childhood. Neuroscientists now know that the human brain continues to grow and change long after the first few years of life. By revealing the internal physiological damage that bullying can do, researchers are recasting it not as merely an unfortunate rite of passage but as a serious form of childhood trauma.
This change in perspective could have all sorts of ripple effects for parents, kids, and schools; it offers a new way to think about the pain suffered by ostracized kids, and could spur new antibullying policies. It offers the prospect that peer harassment, much like abuse and other traumatic experiences, may increasingly be seen as a medical problem — one that can be measured with brain scans, and which may yield to new kinds of clinical treatment.
A new wave of research into bullying’s effects, however, is now suggesting something more than that — that in fact, bullying can leave an indelible imprint on a teen’s brain at a time when it is still growing and developing. Being ostracized by one’s peers, it seems, can throw adolescent hormones even further out of whack, lead to reduced connectivity in the brain, and even sabotage the growth of new neurons.
These neurological scars, it turns out, closely resemble those borne by children who are physically and sexually abused in early childhood. Neuroscientists now know that the human brain continues to grow and change long after the first few years of life. By revealing the internal physiological damage that bullying can do, researchers are recasting it not as merely an unfortunate rite of passage but as a serious form of childhood trauma.
This change in perspective could have all sorts of ripple effects for parents, kids, and schools; it offers a new way to think about the pain suffered by ostracized kids, and could spur new antibullying policies. It offers the prospect that peer harassment, much like abuse and other traumatic experiences, may increasingly be seen as a medical problem — one that can be measured with brain scans, and which may yield to new kinds of clinical treatment.
A world of misery left by bullying - The Boston Globe
A world of misery left by bullying - The Boston Globe
Gloucester High School in fear. Yet the 29-year-old remembers the bullying like it was yesterday: the unsupervised locker room that flooded him with terror. The boy who held his arms while another classmate punched him. The day they slammed his head into a metal locker: “Why don’t you just kill yourself?’’ they asked.
On the worst days, when he came home aching with self-loathing, Testaverde told his mother he was going to take a nap. Instead, he retreated to his wood-paneled bedroom and lit a candle, held the blade of his pocket knife over the flame, and then pressed the red-hot metal to his flesh. A decade later, the damage is still visible, in the shape of a small white burn mark on his wrist.
It is not the only scar he carries.
Childhood bullying is an old problem, one that has produced generations of victims. And while many of those bullied as children move past it and thrive in adulthood, a surprising number say they have been unable to leave the humiliating memories behind. Their accounts are supported by a growing body of research suggesting that the bullying experience stays with many victims into young adulthood, middle age, and even retirement, shaping their decisions and hindering them in nearly every aspect of life: education and career choices; social interactions and emotional well-being; even attitudes about having children.
Gloucester High School in fear. Yet the 29-year-old remembers the bullying like it was yesterday: the unsupervised locker room that flooded him with terror. The boy who held his arms while another classmate punched him. The day they slammed his head into a metal locker: “Why don’t you just kill yourself?’’ they asked.
On the worst days, when he came home aching with self-loathing, Testaverde told his mother he was going to take a nap. Instead, he retreated to his wood-paneled bedroom and lit a candle, held the blade of his pocket knife over the flame, and then pressed the red-hot metal to his flesh. A decade later, the damage is still visible, in the shape of a small white burn mark on his wrist.
It is not the only scar he carries.
Childhood bullying is an old problem, one that has produced generations of victims. And while many of those bullied as children move past it and thrive in adulthood, a surprising number say they have been unable to leave the humiliating memories behind. Their accounts are supported by a growing body of research suggesting that the bullying experience stays with many victims into young adulthood, middle age, and even retirement, shaping their decisions and hindering them in nearly every aspect of life: education and career choices; social interactions and emotional well-being; even attitudes about having children.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Kids’ corner - ThinkUKnow
Kids’ corner - ThinkUKnow
Kids’ Corner
The pilot of ThinkUKnow in Australia focuses on educating and raising awareness amongst parents, carers and teachers. We hope to expand this initiative in the future to provide materials and resources designed for youth.
One of the goals of ThinkUKnow Australia is to promote a dialogue between parents, carers and teachers and the young people in their care. Discussing the information provided in this website will help young people to stay in control whilst using the Internet and other technologies.
If you would like to refer your child to some youth resources, we recommend they visit the ThinkUKnow UK websites for their specific age group.
Kids’ Corner
The pilot of ThinkUKnow in Australia focuses on educating and raising awareness amongst parents, carers and teachers. We hope to expand this initiative in the future to provide materials and resources designed for youth.
One of the goals of ThinkUKnow Australia is to promote a dialogue between parents, carers and teachers and the young people in their care. Discussing the information provided in this website will help young people to stay in control whilst using the Internet and other technologies.
If you would like to refer your child to some youth resources, we recommend they visit the ThinkUKnow UK websites for their specific age group.
Book a ThinkUKnow Presentation - ThinkUKnow
Book a ThinkUKnow Presentation - ThinkUKnow
Book a ThinkUKnow Presentation
Are you concerned about the safety of young people online?
Would you like to learn how to help kids stay in control whilst using technology?
If you would like to book a ThinkUKnow presentation for parents, carers and teachers at your school, please complete an Expression of Interest form and send it to the ThinkUKnow project team.
You will receive a confirmation email approximately 1 - 2 weeks after receipt of your Expression of Interest form.
Please note: we cannot guarantee presentations for non-metropolitan areas but will make every effort to accommodate these requests. We may also be able to provide a presentation via video-conferencing facilities.
Book a ThinkUKnow Presentation
Are you concerned about the safety of young people online?
Would you like to learn how to help kids stay in control whilst using technology?
If you would like to book a ThinkUKnow presentation for parents, carers and teachers at your school, please complete an Expression of Interest form and send it to the ThinkUKnow project team.
You will receive a confirmation email approximately 1 - 2 weeks after receipt of your Expression of Interest form.
Please note: we cannot guarantee presentations for non-metropolitan areas but will make every effort to accommodate these requests. We may also be able to provide a presentation via video-conferencing facilities.
WHO | Prevention of bullying-related morbidity and mortality: a call for public health policies
WHO | Prevention of bullying-related morbidity and mortality: a call for public health policies
Bullying is a major public health problem that demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families. Evolving awareness about the morbidity and mortality associated with bullying has helped give this psychosocial hazard a modest level of worldwide public health attention.1–5 However, it is not enough.
Bullying is a multifaceted form of mistreatment, mostly seen in schools and the workplace. It is characterized by the repeated exposure of one person to physical and/or emotional aggression including teasing, name calling, mockery, threats, harassment, taunting, hazing, social exclusion or rumours.6,7 A wide range of bullying prevalence has been documented among students and in labour forces worldwide.5,8
A growing body of research is highlighting the range of significant morbidities affecting individuals involved in bullying whether as bystanders, bullies and/or victims. Students involved in bullying are at a significant risk of experiencing a wide spectrum of psychosomatic symptoms, running away from home, alcohol and drug abuse, absenteeism and, above all, self-inflicted, accidental or perpetrated injuries.1,2 The consequences of bullying extend into adulthood, as there is evidence of a significant association between childhood bullying behaviour and later psychiatric morbidity.3 Moreover, adults bullied in the workplace are prone to suffer from a variety of health risks, including depression and cardiovascular problems.4
Bullying is a major public health problem that demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families. Evolving awareness about the morbidity and mortality associated with bullying has helped give this psychosocial hazard a modest level of worldwide public health attention.1–5 However, it is not enough.
Bullying is a multifaceted form of mistreatment, mostly seen in schools and the workplace. It is characterized by the repeated exposure of one person to physical and/or emotional aggression including teasing, name calling, mockery, threats, harassment, taunting, hazing, social exclusion or rumours.6,7 A wide range of bullying prevalence has been documented among students and in labour forces worldwide.5,8
A growing body of research is highlighting the range of significant morbidities affecting individuals involved in bullying whether as bystanders, bullies and/or victims. Students involved in bullying are at a significant risk of experiencing a wide spectrum of psychosomatic symptoms, running away from home, alcohol and drug abuse, absenteeism and, above all, self-inflicted, accidental or perpetrated injuries.1,2 The consequences of bullying extend into adulthood, as there is evidence of a significant association between childhood bullying behaviour and later psychiatric morbidity.3 Moreover, adults bullied in the workplace are prone to suffer from a variety of health risks, including depression and cardiovascular problems.4
Let's all stand up against bullying - Winnipeg Free Press
Let's all stand up against bullying - Winnipeg Free Press
Nobody likes bullies. They are despicable people with their "friends," who are usually weak people who have been manipulated into doing the bully's bidding and provide the cheerleading for his objectives. Timidity and apathy are a bully's real allies.
Depression may play a role in the bully's life. But it's often more complex with a smiling, in-control façade masking personality disorders where opposing points of view are seen as hostile attacks deserving of a quick and angry response.
A bully is so uncomfortable in his own skin that he tries to sell an over-inflated image of himself and satisfaction in life can only be measured in terms of his getting his way.
The bully wants to believe that people respect him. Deep down he knows better, but if people are intimidated that's just as good.
Bullying can take place anywhere -- the workplace, in communities, politics and sports -- and thwarting it requires a committed stand. Not so much by those that are being bullied as by those who are able to stand up and be counted and to say enough is enough.
Bullies destroy lives. Studies and their real-life examples prove it. Children that fall victim to bullies can spend their teenage years and decades beyond suffering in silence.
There's evidence galore to suggest that bullies have been the bullied. And it's no secret that a teenage bully can package up those bad qualities and reintroduce them in adulthood.
Clear then is the need to recognize, confront and conquer bullying whenever and wherever it surfaces -- in the home, on the playground, at the rink and in the classroom.
Sadly though, it would be naive to believe that all households or sports endeavours would see such behaviour through the same lens, much less as something in need of correction.
So, rightly or wrongly, the lion's share of responsibility has a tendency to fall on the shoulders of the education system.
It is, after all, that institution that's best suited to pony up the training and means needed to identify and curb it. School is the place where perpetrators and victims are mandated by law to be together.
And school is a place where life-changing attacks are guaranteed to be take place because ears are too big or too small, where someone is too tall or too short, where skin colour is "wrong," or the sneakers just aren't cool enough.
Faceless online attacks are the most cowardly but the consequences are no less devastating, in fact, often worse when they go viral.
Despite a plethora of fuzzy, feel-good programming and tough-as-nails, zero-tolerance school policies that provide the look of something being done, recent studies show otherwise. Research suggests that those already safe from bullies feel safer, but those that are likely to be targeted continue to be at greatest risk.
Teachers surveyed indicated that the majority of schools have bully-prevention programs but that less than half the staff received training needed to deal with bullying. Half of them said it was inadequate, with 75 per cent saying they needed more.
How far do we let this go? There are devastating examples that illustrate the impact of bullying on every corner. Many suicides that occur in our backyard and elsewhere are rooted in bullying. Here and internationally bullying has led to many highly publicized murders.
At one time it was written off as a rite of passage, at worst the slings and arrows of life. But now the trail of children killed and bullied to suicide is so extensive it's led to a new term -- bullycide, death due to bullying.
That's some kind of legacy for all of us. We can't continue to turn a blind eye and pretend that the education system is some kind of panacea. We can all chip in. We just need to stand up.
Nobody likes bullies. They are despicable people with their "friends," who are usually weak people who have been manipulated into doing the bully's bidding and provide the cheerleading for his objectives. Timidity and apathy are a bully's real allies.
Depression may play a role in the bully's life. But it's often more complex with a smiling, in-control façade masking personality disorders where opposing points of view are seen as hostile attacks deserving of a quick and angry response.
A bully is so uncomfortable in his own skin that he tries to sell an over-inflated image of himself and satisfaction in life can only be measured in terms of his getting his way.
The bully wants to believe that people respect him. Deep down he knows better, but if people are intimidated that's just as good.
Bullying can take place anywhere -- the workplace, in communities, politics and sports -- and thwarting it requires a committed stand. Not so much by those that are being bullied as by those who are able to stand up and be counted and to say enough is enough.
Bullies destroy lives. Studies and their real-life examples prove it. Children that fall victim to bullies can spend their teenage years and decades beyond suffering in silence.
There's evidence galore to suggest that bullies have been the bullied. And it's no secret that a teenage bully can package up those bad qualities and reintroduce them in adulthood.
Clear then is the need to recognize, confront and conquer bullying whenever and wherever it surfaces -- in the home, on the playground, at the rink and in the classroom.
Sadly though, it would be naive to believe that all households or sports endeavours would see such behaviour through the same lens, much less as something in need of correction.
So, rightly or wrongly, the lion's share of responsibility has a tendency to fall on the shoulders of the education system.
It is, after all, that institution that's best suited to pony up the training and means needed to identify and curb it. School is the place where perpetrators and victims are mandated by law to be together.
And school is a place where life-changing attacks are guaranteed to be take place because ears are too big or too small, where someone is too tall or too short, where skin colour is "wrong," or the sneakers just aren't cool enough.
Faceless online attacks are the most cowardly but the consequences are no less devastating, in fact, often worse when they go viral.
Despite a plethora of fuzzy, feel-good programming and tough-as-nails, zero-tolerance school policies that provide the look of something being done, recent studies show otherwise. Research suggests that those already safe from bullies feel safer, but those that are likely to be targeted continue to be at greatest risk.
Teachers surveyed indicated that the majority of schools have bully-prevention programs but that less than half the staff received training needed to deal with bullying. Half of them said it was inadequate, with 75 per cent saying they needed more.
How far do we let this go? There are devastating examples that illustrate the impact of bullying on every corner. Many suicides that occur in our backyard and elsewhere are rooted in bullying. Here and internationally bullying has led to many highly publicized murders.
At one time it was written off as a rite of passage, at worst the slings and arrows of life. But now the trail of children killed and bullied to suicide is so extensive it's led to a new term -- bullycide, death due to bullying.
That's some kind of legacy for all of us. We can't continue to turn a blind eye and pretend that the education system is some kind of panacea. We can all chip in. We just need to stand up.
Danbury kids walk all over bullying - Take On Life - Connecticut News
Danbury kids walk all over bullying - Take On Life - Connecticut News
“To me, I think the hardest part is just having to deal with it all the time,” Leandra said the other day. “You try not to think about it, but after a while, you can’t help it. It’s always there.
“Somebody is always saying something or texting something, and they don’t care if it hurts you. In fact, that’s what they want. They want to hurt you.”
“Every day in my high school, I hear kids use (a homosexual slur) to bully gay kids,” said Courtney Jackson, 15, a sophomore at Danbury High. “Other kids get bullied because of the way they look. It’s really, really hurtful.”
Bullying isn’t limited to Greater Danbury, of course. No school is immune from the barbs that fly out of ill-informed minds.
“These aren’t just a few random cases at Danbury High,” Leandra said. “Bullying is everywhere.”
Indeed.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, every day 160,000 kids miss school because they’re afraid of bullying. Overall, more than half of all kids — 52 percent — report seeing bullying at least once a week.
“To me, I think the hardest part is just having to deal with it all the time,” Leandra said the other day. “You try not to think about it, but after a while, you can’t help it. It’s always there.
“Somebody is always saying something or texting something, and they don’t care if it hurts you. In fact, that’s what they want. They want to hurt you.”
“Every day in my high school, I hear kids use (a homosexual slur) to bully gay kids,” said Courtney Jackson, 15, a sophomore at Danbury High. “Other kids get bullied because of the way they look. It’s really, really hurtful.”
Bullying isn’t limited to Greater Danbury, of course. No school is immune from the barbs that fly out of ill-informed minds.
“These aren’t just a few random cases at Danbury High,” Leandra said. “Bullying is everywhere.”
Indeed.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, every day 160,000 kids miss school because they’re afraid of bullying. Overall, more than half of all kids — 52 percent — report seeing bullying at least once a week.
New Research Suggests Connections Between Bullying and ADHD | Treatment Centers
New Research Suggests Connections Between Bullying and ADHD | Treatment Centers
Because children are unable to learn when they are fearful of a bully at school, and the situation is made even more complicated if the child already has a learning disability or other condition, experts are urging school officials and parents to work together to identify when children need help.
It is believed that bullying most often occurs from about sixth grade through tenth grade, and affects around one-third of students. Bullying can be a serious detriment to a child’s success in school, lead to mental health problems and carry lifelong consequences, so these collaborative efforts and research studies could, ultimately, be saving lives.
Because children are unable to learn when they are fearful of a bully at school, and the situation is made even more complicated if the child already has a learning disability or other condition, experts are urging school officials and parents to work together to identify when children need help.
It is believed that bullying most often occurs from about sixth grade through tenth grade, and affects around one-third of students. Bullying can be a serious detriment to a child’s success in school, lead to mental health problems and carry lifelong consequences, so these collaborative efforts and research studies could, ultimately, be saving lives.
Bullying words in cyberspace hurt worse than sticks and stones | Borderzine
Bullying words in cyberspace hurt worse than sticks and stones | Borderzine
Stopcyberbullying.org says cyberbullying occurs “when one child targets another child using interactive technologies such as cell phones, or instant messages.” The website says that the effects of cyberbullying are longer lasting than physical bullying because a person’s mental wellbeing is attacked.
Bullying does not stop at the elementary and high school levels. It has spread to colleges and universities. Because of the vastness of the Internet, cyberbullying has targeted more victims of all ages, races, religions and sexual orientations.
“What should the punishment be for acts like cyberbullying and online humiliation? That question is as difficult to answer as how to integrate our values with all the things in our lives made of bits, balancing a right to privacy with the urge to text, tweet, stream and post,” says John Schwartz in his article “Bullying, Suicide, Punishment” in The New York Times.
According to a Facebook blog page devoted to online safety, “We believe that educating people about the lasting and damaging impact of hateful remarks is a shared responsibility and that’s why we routinely call upon top Internet safety experts – like members of our Safety Advisory Board – for advice and resources for our Safety Center and Safety Page.”
“We as a society are made up of individuals and it truly is our individual responsibility to maintain ourselves in a responsible manner when we are online,” said Vincent.
Stopcyberbullying.org says cyberbullying occurs “when one child targets another child using interactive technologies such as cell phones, or instant messages.” The website says that the effects of cyberbullying are longer lasting than physical bullying because a person’s mental wellbeing is attacked.
Bullying does not stop at the elementary and high school levels. It has spread to colleges and universities. Because of the vastness of the Internet, cyberbullying has targeted more victims of all ages, races, religions and sexual orientations.
“What should the punishment be for acts like cyberbullying and online humiliation? That question is as difficult to answer as how to integrate our values with all the things in our lives made of bits, balancing a right to privacy with the urge to text, tweet, stream and post,” says John Schwartz in his article “Bullying, Suicide, Punishment” in The New York Times.
According to a Facebook blog page devoted to online safety, “We believe that educating people about the lasting and damaging impact of hateful remarks is a shared responsibility and that’s why we routinely call upon top Internet safety experts – like members of our Safety Advisory Board – for advice and resources for our Safety Center and Safety Page.”
“We as a society are made up of individuals and it truly is our individual responsibility to maintain ourselves in a responsible manner when we are online,” said Vincent.
Dan Abrams On Today: When Does Bullying Become A Crime And How Do You Stop It? Abrams Bullying – Mediaite
Dan Abrams On Today: When Does Bullying Become A Crime And How Do You Stop It? Abrams Bullying – MediaiteThese days, with cyber bullying and anti-gay bullying consistently getting headlines, many parents are wondering what, if anything, they can do to protect their children. Dan Abrams, Mediaite’s founder and NBC’s Chief Legal Analyst, went on Today this morning to give some advice on how to differentiate between regular bullying and a criminal action and what the possible repercussions are.
He used an example of an insulting text message when asked what a parent could do:
“When it’s something like ‘You’re a loser,’ probably not much. But, when ‘You’re a loser’ comes nine, ten, twelve, fifteen times a day on Facebook, on email, on Twitter, et cetera, then it can become harassment. So there is that line to cross between simply saying ‘I don’t like you’ versus ‘I’m now harassing you’ with my belief that I don’t like you.”
When asked what parents should do in these situations, Abrams suggested that they act as if they’re the child’s lawyer and are talking about what’s in the best interest of their client. He pointed out that, many times, children are reluctant to do anything and sometimes the parents will have to be “aggressive.” However, he pointed out an interesting alternative parents can use before going to the authorities, school officials, or the parents of the other child. He noted that sites like Facebook have specific guidelines against bullying and that, sometimes, the easiest method is to contact them.
He used an example of an insulting text message when asked what a parent could do:
“When it’s something like ‘You’re a loser,’ probably not much. But, when ‘You’re a loser’ comes nine, ten, twelve, fifteen times a day on Facebook, on email, on Twitter, et cetera, then it can become harassment. So there is that line to cross between simply saying ‘I don’t like you’ versus ‘I’m now harassing you’ with my belief that I don’t like you.”
When asked what parents should do in these situations, Abrams suggested that they act as if they’re the child’s lawyer and are talking about what’s in the best interest of their client. He pointed out that, many times, children are reluctant to do anything and sometimes the parents will have to be “aggressive.” However, he pointed out an interesting alternative parents can use before going to the authorities, school officials, or the parents of the other child. He noted that sites like Facebook have specific guidelines against bullying and that, sometimes, the easiest method is to contact them.
Opinion: Kids bullying kids isn't the only cause of gay teen suicides - San Jose Mercury News
Opinion: Kids bullying kids isn't the only cause of gay teen suicides - San Jose Mercury News
We keep hearing "Stop the kids from bullying!" But I believe the problem goes way beyond the young bullies to a society where words and actions by adults, discriminatory and hurtful, seem to be widely accepted.
It's all part of the big picture that contributes to the tragic deaths of these lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender kids -- deaths that have been occurring for decades in disproportionate numbers but that have only recently been brought to our attention through the press and Internet.
Even in homes where parents are open and accepting, kids experience negativity about being gay from an early age. During debates in their churches, towns, states and in Washington they hear arguments that allowing gays to marry, or serve in the military or public office, or take leadership in our religious institutions, or teach in our schools will "harm children," "destroy our families," "weaken our military protection."
And the words used to talk about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons are often appalling. Just watch the news some night, or read the paper or articles and blogs on the Internet. Any debate about a gay issue, from "don't ask, don't tell" to recognizing a gay day in a small town, encourages statements that can be crushing to a youth struggling with his or her sexuality. Hearing the negative words adults use to describe homosexuality also gives tacit approval to bullies to taunt classmates who are seen as less than OK.
All of this negativity about gays not only serves as fodder for bullies in our schools, but it also makes our kids more vulnerable to bullying and more vulnerable to being emotionally harmed by the taunting. These kids come to school with their defenses down, already questioning their self-worth.
So yes, we must do something about the bullying in our schools, but we also must change how we talk about each other. Until we stop defining people of different sexual orientations in the worst possible ways, gay kids will continue to take their own lives in desperation.
Millions of adults in our country are working to make the world a better place for all kids. A few examples: "It Gets Better," with thousands of adults telling kids life improves after high school; well-known figures coming out very publicly, such as Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns and Bishop Jim Swilley of Georgia; The Trevor Project, fighting to prevent suicide; groups like ours, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), supporting families; and all the parents, teachers, religious, business and political leaders and other straight allies who stand up for gay equality every day.
Is there something you can do to join the movement to stop bullying and harassment?
Australians can do a lot by forcing our major parties to stop discriminating and bullying (Abbot and Julia as leaders of your parties think about all the children that will suffer discrimination and bullying at school because of your actions or inactions).
We keep hearing "Stop the kids from bullying!" But I believe the problem goes way beyond the young bullies to a society where words and actions by adults, discriminatory and hurtful, seem to be widely accepted.
It's all part of the big picture that contributes to the tragic deaths of these lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender kids -- deaths that have been occurring for decades in disproportionate numbers but that have only recently been brought to our attention through the press and Internet.
Even in homes where parents are open and accepting, kids experience negativity about being gay from an early age. During debates in their churches, towns, states and in Washington they hear arguments that allowing gays to marry, or serve in the military or public office, or take leadership in our religious institutions, or teach in our schools will "harm children," "destroy our families," "weaken our military protection."
And the words used to talk about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons are often appalling. Just watch the news some night, or read the paper or articles and blogs on the Internet. Any debate about a gay issue, from "don't ask, don't tell" to recognizing a gay day in a small town, encourages statements that can be crushing to a youth struggling with his or her sexuality. Hearing the negative words adults use to describe homosexuality also gives tacit approval to bullies to taunt classmates who are seen as less than OK.
All of this negativity about gays not only serves as fodder for bullies in our schools, but it also makes our kids more vulnerable to bullying and more vulnerable to being emotionally harmed by the taunting. These kids come to school with their defenses down, already questioning their self-worth.
So yes, we must do something about the bullying in our schools, but we also must change how we talk about each other. Until we stop defining people of different sexual orientations in the worst possible ways, gay kids will continue to take their own lives in desperation.
Millions of adults in our country are working to make the world a better place for all kids. A few examples: "It Gets Better," with thousands of adults telling kids life improves after high school; well-known figures coming out very publicly, such as Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns and Bishop Jim Swilley of Georgia; The Trevor Project, fighting to prevent suicide; groups like ours, PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), supporting families; and all the parents, teachers, religious, business and political leaders and other straight allies who stand up for gay equality every day.
Is there something you can do to join the movement to stop bullying and harassment?
Australians can do a lot by forcing our major parties to stop discriminating and bullying (Abbot and Julia as leaders of your parties think about all the children that will suffer discrimination and bullying at school because of your actions or inactions).
David Petrie: How Family Dinners with Young Children Could Help Curb Bullying
David Petrie: How Family Dinners with Young Children Could Help Curb Bullying
The Dairy Council of California jumped onto the family-dinner bandwagon by issuing a press release claiming that family dinners could create lifetime benefits including better grades, lower intakes of sugary soft drinks (which means more milk) and a possible 40-percent reduction in the chance that a child will bully someone else.
This last statistic is what caught my attention. A 40-percent reduction related to bullying was huge. Did certain conversation topics make a difference? Was there an average time parents spent talking to kids? Did lecturing count?
Our "Favorite Part of the Day" family dinner ritual could help keep kids from bullying. Maybe. It's simple enough to try.
Here's how it works:
1. Each person needs to share something good that happened that day.
2. The good thing can't be "right now" (meaning dinner). The person needs to share something about his or her day that other people (like me, who is stuck in an office all day) might not know.
3. "Screens" don't count. This means kids (or adults) can't talk about television shows, online social networking or video games.
4. A person can ask to "pass," but a pass only allows the person to go last. Each person still needs to share.
5. No one can leave the table until everyone has shared a favorite part of the day.
Sometimes a child will say, "I didn't have a favorite part of the day. Nothing good happened." This presents an opportunity to help that child turn the day around. And then there are times when a child mentions an event that makes you cringe, like when they witnessed some other child do something embarrassing, or even something that qualified as bullying. These instances present opportunities to help the child realize his or her favorite part of the day might have been someone else's least favorite. Then the parent can explain what the child should do the next time around.
The majority of people are too busy, and some are not willing, to spend quality time with their children.
The media is one of the major powers in the equation of getting rid of bullying. We just hope they use their power wisely, and help us to change attitudes towards bullying.
The Dairy Council of California jumped onto the family-dinner bandwagon by issuing a press release claiming that family dinners could create lifetime benefits including better grades, lower intakes of sugary soft drinks (which means more milk) and a possible 40-percent reduction in the chance that a child will bully someone else.
This last statistic is what caught my attention. A 40-percent reduction related to bullying was huge. Did certain conversation topics make a difference? Was there an average time parents spent talking to kids? Did lecturing count?
Our "Favorite Part of the Day" family dinner ritual could help keep kids from bullying. Maybe. It's simple enough to try.
Here's how it works:
1. Each person needs to share something good that happened that day.
2. The good thing can't be "right now" (meaning dinner). The person needs to share something about his or her day that other people (like me, who is stuck in an office all day) might not know.
3. "Screens" don't count. This means kids (or adults) can't talk about television shows, online social networking or video games.
4. A person can ask to "pass," but a pass only allows the person to go last. Each person still needs to share.
5. No one can leave the table until everyone has shared a favorite part of the day.
Sometimes a child will say, "I didn't have a favorite part of the day. Nothing good happened." This presents an opportunity to help that child turn the day around. And then there are times when a child mentions an event that makes you cringe, like when they witnessed some other child do something embarrassing, or even something that qualified as bullying. These instances present opportunities to help the child realize his or her favorite part of the day might have been someone else's least favorite. Then the parent can explain what the child should do the next time around.
The majority of people are too busy, and some are not willing, to spend quality time with their children.
The media is one of the major powers in the equation of getting rid of bullying. We just hope they use their power wisely, and help us to change attitudes towards bullying.
Bullying - Department of Human Resources
Bullying - Department of Human ResourcesThe following types of behaviour, where repeated or occurring as part of a pattern of behaviour could be considered bullying:
Examples of bullying:
* Physical or verbal abuse;
* Yelling, screaming or offensive language;
* Excluding or isolating a staff member or student;
* Deliberately withholding information that is vital for effective performance;
* Spreading rumours or innuendo about someone;
* Psychological harassment;
* Unjustified criticism or complaints;
* Intimidation;
* Assigning staff members meaningless tasks unrelated to their job;
* Giving staff members impossible jobs;
* Interfering with someone’s personal property or equipment;
* Deliberately changing work arrangements, such as rosters and leave, to inconvenience particular staff members.
Examples of bullying:
* Physical or verbal abuse;
* Yelling, screaming or offensive language;
* Excluding or isolating a staff member or student;
* Deliberately withholding information that is vital for effective performance;
* Spreading rumours or innuendo about someone;
* Psychological harassment;
* Unjustified criticism or complaints;
* Intimidation;
* Assigning staff members meaningless tasks unrelated to their job;
* Giving staff members impossible jobs;
* Interfering with someone’s personal property or equipment;
* Deliberately changing work arrangements, such as rosters and leave, to inconvenience particular staff members.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Ridding schools of bullying will require changing culture
Ridding schools of bullying will require changing culture
Bullying, unfortunately, has always existed in the American school systems and it continues to be a pervasive problem. Many historically have dismissed it as a schoolyard rite of passage or just a part of growing up. However, now that these behaviors have been more closely studied, we have learned that bullying is unnecessary, damaging and can cause negative long-term consequences not only for the victim but for the bully as well.
Bullying is deliberate acts of physical or psychological harassment or intimidation. These acts occur repeatedly over time and are carried out by an individual or a group upon another, usually weaker, individual. Direct bullying (favored by boys) includes taunting, threatening, hitting, stealing and property damage. Indirect bullying (favored by girls) includes spreading rumors and enforcing social isolation.
......
Changing the culture of a school will take time and patience, but it should begin with a school having a clearly understandable school-wide policy against bullying that is clearly explained to the students. In addition, it will be important for the school to consistently follow this policy. Educating students and parents about bullying and its destructive effects through parent meetings, classroom discussions and group projects will be necessary.
However, the most important piece of this culture change will be to empower bystanders. Bystanders are usually present at most bullying incidents. A recent study found that peers were present in 85 percent of bullying incidents, but only 10 percent actually intervened even though two-thirds of children report that they know they should intervene. Empower bystanders to speak up against bullying because being questioned and confronted by peers will take away a bully’s sense of power and control. Empower victims to speak up for themselves firmly and assertively. Teach students that the bully is someone who has a problem managing their behavior and the victim is someone they can protect. If one bystander could be courageous enough to take a stand against bullying, others would follow.
Bullying, unfortunately, has always existed in the American school systems and it continues to be a pervasive problem. Many historically have dismissed it as a schoolyard rite of passage or just a part of growing up. However, now that these behaviors have been more closely studied, we have learned that bullying is unnecessary, damaging and can cause negative long-term consequences not only for the victim but for the bully as well.
Bullying is deliberate acts of physical or psychological harassment or intimidation. These acts occur repeatedly over time and are carried out by an individual or a group upon another, usually weaker, individual. Direct bullying (favored by boys) includes taunting, threatening, hitting, stealing and property damage. Indirect bullying (favored by girls) includes spreading rumors and enforcing social isolation.
......
Changing the culture of a school will take time and patience, but it should begin with a school having a clearly understandable school-wide policy against bullying that is clearly explained to the students. In addition, it will be important for the school to consistently follow this policy. Educating students and parents about bullying and its destructive effects through parent meetings, classroom discussions and group projects will be necessary.
However, the most important piece of this culture change will be to empower bystanders. Bystanders are usually present at most bullying incidents. A recent study found that peers were present in 85 percent of bullying incidents, but only 10 percent actually intervened even though two-thirds of children report that they know they should intervene. Empower bystanders to speak up against bullying because being questioned and confronted by peers will take away a bully’s sense of power and control. Empower victims to speak up for themselves firmly and assertively. Teach students that the bully is someone who has a problem managing their behavior and the victim is someone they can protect. If one bystander could be courageous enough to take a stand against bullying, others would follow.
Bullying prevention lesson aired to Weymouth school committee - Weymouth, Massachusetts - Weymouth News
Bullying prevention lesson aired to Weymouth school committee - Weymouth, Massachusetts - Weymouth News
Weymouth —
Students who bully a classmate over the weekend or during a non-school event will be penalized under a bullying prevention and intervention plan that the school committee is reviewing.
“If a bullying incident occurs over the weekend and a student is fearful of being in class with the individual, the school administration can investigate,” she told the committee on Nov. 18. “If harassment occurs off the school grounds, it can be investigated.”
The school district handbook defines bullying as an act by one or more students that includes intimidating a classmate verbally, physically, mentally, and/or with written messages
School officials additionally prohibit students from “cyber-bullying.”
This method of harassment includes sending a classmate an online message or image from a school computer that is intended to be defaming, intimidating, humiliating, or imply harm to him or her.
School administrators are proposing to strengthen the policy against cyber bullying by students who use their home computer, iPod, cell phone, or electronic equipment to send a classmate a harassing message.
The plan would also require punishment to be administered to students who bully a classmate at a school bus stop or vehicle that is used by the district.
“We are trying to take a positive approach,” DeMello said. “The plan we created was provided a model to follow by the state, and we have a large committee that is working on it.”
Weymouth —
Students who bully a classmate over the weekend or during a non-school event will be penalized under a bullying prevention and intervention plan that the school committee is reviewing.
“If a bullying incident occurs over the weekend and a student is fearful of being in class with the individual, the school administration can investigate,” she told the committee on Nov. 18. “If harassment occurs off the school grounds, it can be investigated.”
The school district handbook defines bullying as an act by one or more students that includes intimidating a classmate verbally, physically, mentally, and/or with written messages
School officials additionally prohibit students from “cyber-bullying.”
This method of harassment includes sending a classmate an online message or image from a school computer that is intended to be defaming, intimidating, humiliating, or imply harm to him or her.
School administrators are proposing to strengthen the policy against cyber bullying by students who use their home computer, iPod, cell phone, or electronic equipment to send a classmate a harassing message.
The plan would also require punishment to be administered to students who bully a classmate at a school bus stop or vehicle that is used by the district.
“We are trying to take a positive approach,” DeMello said. “The plan we created was provided a model to follow by the state, and we have a large committee that is working on it.”
The Tide - Harrison High School - National Bully Stats Don’t Effect Harrison
The Tide - Harrison High School - National Bully Stats Don’t Effect Harrison
Everyone fears bullying: parents, students and even teachers. Anti-bully programs have been used all over the country but do they really help?
According to BullyingStatistics.org, a website dedicated to bullying statistics, thirty-two percent of parents fear for their child’s physical safety when the child is at school. Thirty-nine percent of parents with a child in grade six or higher are more likely to say they fear for their child’s safety.
Twenty-three percent of elementary students reported being bullied one to three times in the last month bullying statistics say. Recent bullying statistics admit that half of all bullying incidents go unreported. In a recent study, seventy-seven percent of the students said they had been bullied. And fourteen percent of those who were bullied said they experienced severe reactions to the abuse.
The top five states to find bullying acts were 1. California, 2. New York, 3. Illinois, 4. Pennsylvania and 5. Washington.
And the anti-bully programs only prevent fifteen percent of future bullying.
But here in Harrison High School it’s different; five out of eight students experienced bullying during middle school and one out of eight told a trusted adult about their incident.
A victim of bullying, who wishes to remain anonymous in regard to their confession, “Yeah I have been bullied but it was back in middle school and I believe because of the programs they were helpful to me.”
Although four out of the eight suggest that anti-bully do help out.
Yolmary Rios, a sophomore from HHS says, “I never got bullied but I’ve seen other kids have. And since the anti-bully programs have started I have begun to see less and less. I think it’s because more people are becoming more aware of the seriousness of the situation and are starting to report it as they see it.”
But everyone has their own opinion on solving the epidemic of bullying.
“I have never been bullied but I think that the best way to stop doing this would be to get the victim and bully to a conference or some kind of meeting to talk what’s happening.” Says Daniela Villalobos, another sophomore of HHS.
Everyone fears bullying: parents, students and even teachers. Anti-bully programs have been used all over the country but do they really help?
According to BullyingStatistics.org, a website dedicated to bullying statistics, thirty-two percent of parents fear for their child’s physical safety when the child is at school. Thirty-nine percent of parents with a child in grade six or higher are more likely to say they fear for their child’s safety.
Twenty-three percent of elementary students reported being bullied one to three times in the last month bullying statistics say. Recent bullying statistics admit that half of all bullying incidents go unreported. In a recent study, seventy-seven percent of the students said they had been bullied. And fourteen percent of those who were bullied said they experienced severe reactions to the abuse.
The top five states to find bullying acts were 1. California, 2. New York, 3. Illinois, 4. Pennsylvania and 5. Washington.
And the anti-bully programs only prevent fifteen percent of future bullying.
But here in Harrison High School it’s different; five out of eight students experienced bullying during middle school and one out of eight told a trusted adult about their incident.
A victim of bullying, who wishes to remain anonymous in regard to their confession, “Yeah I have been bullied but it was back in middle school and I believe because of the programs they were helpful to me.”
Although four out of the eight suggest that anti-bully do help out.
Yolmary Rios, a sophomore from HHS says, “I never got bullied but I’ve seen other kids have. And since the anti-bully programs have started I have begun to see less and less. I think it’s because more people are becoming more aware of the seriousness of the situation and are starting to report it as they see it.”
But everyone has their own opinion on solving the epidemic of bullying.
“I have never been bullied but I think that the best way to stop doing this would be to get the victim and bully to a conference or some kind of meeting to talk what’s happening.” Says Daniela Villalobos, another sophomore of HHS.
New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights
New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights
No bullying sign in high school hallwayNew Jersey lawmakers passed a bill on Monday that would require schools to have a more pro-active role against bullying and harassment both on and off school grounds.
No bullying sign in high school hallwayNew Jersey lawmakers passed a bill on Monday that would require schools to have a more pro-active role against bullying and harassment both on and off school grounds.
Teenagers give away personal data online: security firm
Teenagers give away personal data online: security firm
Half of Australia's teenagers share their personal data with strangers online, new research reveals.
Cyber bullying is also on the rise, with one in five teenagers having mean or hurtful information posted about them on social networking sites, according to internet security firm McAfee.
Half of Australia's teenagers share their personal data with strangers online, new research reveals.
Cyber bullying is also on the rise, with one in five teenagers having mean or hurtful information posted about them on social networking sites, according to internet security firm McAfee.
Debate Opinion: Schools to get option of ethics classes as religio...
Debate Opinion: Schools to get option of ethics classes as religio...: "Schools to get option of ethics classes as religious education alternative | News.com.au If all children attend ethics classes no harm can b..."
Ethics class is a very positive step in the education of our youth.I can not see any ethical person opposing it.
Ethics class is a very positive step in the education of our youth.I can not see any ethical person opposing it.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Bullying Blurs Lines Between Home and School Life - South Pasadena, CA Patch
Bullying Blurs Lines Between Home and School Life - South Pasadena, CA Patch
"Anyone can be a cyber-bully," Mercer told the assembled parents. "The sense of anonymity on the Internet makes young people feel like they can say things online that they would never say in person."
"Anyone can be a cyber-bully," Mercer told the assembled parents. "The sense of anonymity on the Internet makes young people feel like they can say things online that they would never say in person."
Bullying - a problem everywhere
Bullying - a problem everywhere
Bullying is everywhere, and local teens got to connect with youth around the world to talk about it.
On Friday morning, students of the Victoria School of the Arts gathered to watch the movie Stitches. The 2009 film was produced by the school, and focuses on a bullied teen and what can happen if the intimidation is not prevented.
"When I was younger I was a victim of homophobic bullying and I wanted to participate in this film because I wanted people to know and I wanted people to discuss," said Zachary Parsons-Lozinski, an actor in the film.
The film was followed by a discussion led by a panel of experts. Students questioned and discussed bullying - but they weren't the only ones in the conversation.
"Not even only across Canada, but all across the world," explained Donna Blundell of the Society for Safe & Caring Schools & Communities.
A web-based forum connected schools across the globe, showing teens that this is a problem happening everywhere.
"I think society doesn't change unless you talk about things that are problems, and I think our next step now going forward is deciding how we're going to do it." Blundell said.
Bullying is everywhere, and local teens got to connect with youth around the world to talk about it.
On Friday morning, students of the Victoria School of the Arts gathered to watch the movie Stitches. The 2009 film was produced by the school, and focuses on a bullied teen and what can happen if the intimidation is not prevented.
"When I was younger I was a victim of homophobic bullying and I wanted to participate in this film because I wanted people to know and I wanted people to discuss," said Zachary Parsons-Lozinski, an actor in the film.
The film was followed by a discussion led by a panel of experts. Students questioned and discussed bullying - but they weren't the only ones in the conversation.
"Not even only across Canada, but all across the world," explained Donna Blundell of the Society for Safe & Caring Schools & Communities.
A web-based forum connected schools across the globe, showing teens that this is a problem happening everywhere.
"I think society doesn't change unless you talk about things that are problems, and I think our next step now going forward is deciding how we're going to do it." Blundell said.
Anti-bullying charity demands more laws on cyber-bullying • The Register
Anti-bullying charity demands more laws on cyber-bullying • The Register
Today is the last day of National Anti-Bullying Week, and UK charity BeatBullying has been talking up the need for new laws. But the organisation can't seem to pinpoint what precisely is needed, given that existing laws cover pretty much every aspect of the issue.
The not-uncontroversial BeatBullying mounted an online petition and "march", which took place on Monday, to press the government to make cyber bullying a specific criminal offence. The petition gathered close to a million names, a spokesman told us.
Supporters included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, key figures from the private, charity and public sectors, celebrities and teachers as well as more than 100 parliamentarians. Children and families of bullying victims presented their petition to Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg.
Today is the last day of National Anti-Bullying Week, and UK charity BeatBullying has been talking up the need for new laws. But the organisation can't seem to pinpoint what precisely is needed, given that existing laws cover pretty much every aspect of the issue.
The not-uncontroversial BeatBullying mounted an online petition and "march", which took place on Monday, to press the government to make cyber bullying a specific criminal offence. The petition gathered close to a million names, a spokesman told us.
Supporters included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, key figures from the private, charity and public sectors, celebrities and teachers as well as more than 100 parliamentarians. Children and families of bullying victims presented their petition to Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg.
Mother of Jessica Train who hanged herself says 'Bullying should be criminal offence' | Mail Online
Mother of Jessica Train who hanged herself says 'Bullying should be criminal offence' | Mail Online
Jessica Train, 15, hanged herself in April after years of torment at the hands of bullies, an inquest heard today.
Ann, who has separated from Jessica's dad Neil, said her daughter was 'vulnerable and anxious as anyone would be when they had been hounded and terrified by people who perhaps had grown up to believe they were very powerful'.
'But bullies are not powerful, they are cowards who form friendships out of fear.,' she added.
A keen dancer and horse- rider, Jessica adored her Jack Russell Rolo and wanted to be a criminologist
Jessica Train, 15, hanged herself in April after years of torment at the hands of bullies, an inquest heard today.
Ann, who has separated from Jessica's dad Neil, said her daughter was 'vulnerable and anxious as anyone would be when they had been hounded and terrified by people who perhaps had grown up to believe they were very powerful'.
'But bullies are not powerful, they are cowards who form friendships out of fear.,' she added.
A keen dancer and horse- rider, Jessica adored her Jack Russell Rolo and wanted to be a criminologist
Group solution eyed for bullying / Hopes rest on teacher training, psychological tests for children : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)
Group solution eyed for bullying / Hopes rest on teacher training, psychological tests for children : National : DAILY YOMIURI ONLINE (The Daily Yomiuri)
According to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the program will stress the importance of cooperation between teachers and schools in dealing with bullying, as it can be difficult for teachers to handle the problem on their own. The ministry plans to finish a draft training program by the end of March.
Meanwhile, schools have begun psychological testing to examine children's mental states so classroom problems can be detected as early as possible.
Some schools have already reported positive effects. Observers stress the first step in dealing with bullying is for adults to notice when children are having emotional difficulties.
"We plan to nurture teachers who can lead others to tackle bullying as a group," a senior education ministry official sai
The psychological test schools have begun introducing was developed by Waseda University Prof. Shigeo Kawamura, a psychology specialist, in 1996.
According to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the program will stress the importance of cooperation between teachers and schools in dealing with bullying, as it can be difficult for teachers to handle the problem on their own. The ministry plans to finish a draft training program by the end of March.
Meanwhile, schools have begun psychological testing to examine children's mental states so classroom problems can be detected as early as possible.
Some schools have already reported positive effects. Observers stress the first step in dealing with bullying is for adults to notice when children are having emotional difficulties.
"We plan to nurture teachers who can lead others to tackle bullying as a group," a senior education ministry official sai
The psychological test schools have begun introducing was developed by Waseda University Prof. Shigeo Kawamura, a psychology specialist, in 1996.
Why Bully Victims Suffer in Silence - FoxNews.com
Why Bully Victims Suffer in Silence - FoxNews.com
From the time she started school through sixth grade, Trish McClune was bullied. Kids called her "Tissue" and wiped their noses on her clothes. Once, her best friend punched her. Even her cousins and sister got in on the game, forming "WHEAT" — the "We Hate Everything About Trish Club."
Reasons for secrecy tend to fall into one of seven categories, according to a 2005 review of research by University of Toronto social workers. The categories, reported in the journal Children & Schools, were:
* The cloak of secrecy: Bullying often happens out of adults' sight, in settings such as hallways and school lunchrooms. Thus, bullying stays between the victim, the bully and peer bystanders.
* Power: Bullying is marked by one participant — the bully — possessing more power than the other, whether that power is real or perceived. Children learn to gain power by aggression and to accept when others wield aggressive power. So a "weak" victim is not likely to tattle.
* Self-blame: Victims may feel shame and blame themselves for their situation. One girl told the researchers she was at fault for her victimization, because she was "a little chubby."
* Retaliation: To some kids, the logic is simple: Tell an adult and make the bully madder
* Vulnerability: Kids who are bullied are often less accepted by their peers and may struggle with social skills. They may yearn for acceptance from the very people who torment them.
* Fear of losing a friendship: Sometimes the relationship between bullies and victims isn't so straightforward. If the victim counts the bully as a friend (or wants to be his or her friend), telling may not seem like an option.
* Fear adults will do nothing: Kids may be skeptical that adults can, or will, take steps to stop a bully.
Complicating factors
On top of those reasons, the child's own characteristics may play a role. Reporting harassment may put a child in the position of having to highlight his or her own differences.
From the time she started school through sixth grade, Trish McClune was bullied. Kids called her "Tissue" and wiped their noses on her clothes. Once, her best friend punched her. Even her cousins and sister got in on the game, forming "WHEAT" — the "We Hate Everything About Trish Club."
Reasons for secrecy tend to fall into one of seven categories, according to a 2005 review of research by University of Toronto social workers. The categories, reported in the journal Children & Schools, were:
* The cloak of secrecy: Bullying often happens out of adults' sight, in settings such as hallways and school lunchrooms. Thus, bullying stays between the victim, the bully and peer bystanders.
* Power: Bullying is marked by one participant — the bully — possessing more power than the other, whether that power is real or perceived. Children learn to gain power by aggression and to accept when others wield aggressive power. So a "weak" victim is not likely to tattle.
* Self-blame: Victims may feel shame and blame themselves for their situation. One girl told the researchers she was at fault for her victimization, because she was "a little chubby."
* Retaliation: To some kids, the logic is simple: Tell an adult and make the bully madder
* Vulnerability: Kids who are bullied are often less accepted by their peers and may struggle with social skills. They may yearn for acceptance from the very people who torment them.
* Fear of losing a friendship: Sometimes the relationship between bullies and victims isn't so straightforward. If the victim counts the bully as a friend (or wants to be his or her friend), telling may not seem like an option.
* Fear adults will do nothing: Kids may be skeptical that adults can, or will, take steps to stop a bully.
Complicating factors
On top of those reasons, the child's own characteristics may play a role. Reporting harassment may put a child in the position of having to highlight his or her own differences.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Debate Opinion: Victorian twins Candice and Kristin Columbine scho...
Debate Opinion: Victorian twins Candice and Kristin Columbine scho...: For every one that contemplates suicide, think how rich your lives can be if you find people that understand you and enjoy your company.
There are many that need your love and attention, go and find them, someone to help, do not waste your life ,do not give up at the fist idiots you encounter.
Even if you are not happy today you can be tomorrow. Never give up. There are many sensitive and good people around. Go and find them. Like you they need you too.
There are many that need your love and attention, go and find them, someone to help, do not waste your life ,do not give up at the fist idiots you encounter.
Even if you are not happy today you can be tomorrow. Never give up. There are many sensitive and good people around. Go and find them. Like you they need you too.
High school students stand up to bullying in Desert Hot Springs | mydesert.com | The Desert Sun
High school students stand up to bullying in Desert Hot Springs | mydesert.com | The Desert Sun
The Desert Hot Springs High School senior decided to share what she has learned with younger students in an effort to take a stand against bullying.
“My main goal is to make sure these kids know bullying isn’t OK, it’s not normal and that they can stop it,” Ongalibang said.
She and a group of friends and classmates from Desert Hot Springs High School spoke to students at Desert Springs Middle School on Thursday about their personal experiences from both sides – as the ones who were picked on and the ones doing the bullying.
Luis Martinez has been bullied so badly for being gay that he has attempted suicide, tried to run away from home and even gotten into drugs, he told a group of eighth graders.
But there was a time that he was on the other end – even bullying Ongalibang, who he now considers a close friend.
“The truth is, people who bully have something to hide,” said Martinez, 17.
At the end of the assembly, three eighth-graders students stood in front of their peers and emotionally apologized to those they had been mean to.
“I have picked on people because I have been picked on,” one student said. “I just want to let you know, it’s not going to happen any more.”
The Desert Hot Springs High School senior decided to share what she has learned with younger students in an effort to take a stand against bullying.
“My main goal is to make sure these kids know bullying isn’t OK, it’s not normal and that they can stop it,” Ongalibang said.
She and a group of friends and classmates from Desert Hot Springs High School spoke to students at Desert Springs Middle School on Thursday about their personal experiences from both sides – as the ones who were picked on and the ones doing the bullying.
Luis Martinez has been bullied so badly for being gay that he has attempted suicide, tried to run away from home and even gotten into drugs, he told a group of eighth graders.
But there was a time that he was on the other end – even bullying Ongalibang, who he now considers a close friend.
“The truth is, people who bully have something to hide,” said Martinez, 17.
At the end of the assembly, three eighth-graders students stood in front of their peers and emotionally apologized to those they had been mean to.
“I have picked on people because I have been picked on,” one student said. “I just want to let you know, it’s not going to happen any more.”
LETTERS: Bullying in the schools
LETTERS: Bullying in the schools
In a Ray Bradbury's short story "The Playground," a father tried to protect his son from the horrors of the schoolyard. He wondered how childhood could be considered the best time of life, when it was the most "barbaric time when there were no police to protect you, only parents preoccupied with themselves and their taller world."
I admire the courage of the four kids - Gavin, Maria, Jake and Sam - who gave voice to their experiences ["In their own words: Battling the bullies," News, Nov. 14]. I wonder what the consequences will be for them, for publicly revealing their suffering and the powerlessness of adults to protect them.
We all know that the boundaries of the schoolyard now extend into people's homes through cyberspace, virtually obliterating any sense of sanctuary that children once found in the evenings, on weekends and during the summer.
Bullying is intensified today by a broad decline in civility. We live in a world of grown-up people who do not think twice about trampling personal boundaries through rude, intimidating and obnoxious behavior.
If we cannot turn back the hands of time, we can at least slow down and teach our children, after we remind ourselves, the importance of putting a reflective pause between impulse and action.
Andrew Malekoff
Long BeachEditor's note: The writer is the executive director of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center.
I understand that many schools claim to have a "zero tolerance" policy on bullying, but bullying continues. This shows that the schools are not doing enough. What are the punishments or consequences for the bullies and all those that stand by and laugh or participate in one way or another? Most of the time the punishment is just a slap on the wrist.
Most important, where are these kids' parents? Is the school informing them that their child is harassing another kid? Parents should be held accountable for what their children do.
If we find that our children are harassing or bullying another, especially online, we have the right to take away their computers, phones and other privileges. Children who use the Internet to harass, degrade or bully another should not have access to the Internet.
Perhaps the schools should also require those children who are bullying to perform some kind of community service in order to have a good standing in school.
In a Ray Bradbury's short story "The Playground," a father tried to protect his son from the horrors of the schoolyard. He wondered how childhood could be considered the best time of life, when it was the most "barbaric time when there were no police to protect you, only parents preoccupied with themselves and their taller world."
I admire the courage of the four kids - Gavin, Maria, Jake and Sam - who gave voice to their experiences ["In their own words: Battling the bullies," News, Nov. 14]. I wonder what the consequences will be for them, for publicly revealing their suffering and the powerlessness of adults to protect them.
We all know that the boundaries of the schoolyard now extend into people's homes through cyberspace, virtually obliterating any sense of sanctuary that children once found in the evenings, on weekends and during the summer.
Bullying is intensified today by a broad decline in civility. We live in a world of grown-up people who do not think twice about trampling personal boundaries through rude, intimidating and obnoxious behavior.
If we cannot turn back the hands of time, we can at least slow down and teach our children, after we remind ourselves, the importance of putting a reflective pause between impulse and action.
Andrew Malekoff
Long BeachEditor's note: The writer is the executive director of North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center.
I understand that many schools claim to have a "zero tolerance" policy on bullying, but bullying continues. This shows that the schools are not doing enough. What are the punishments or consequences for the bullies and all those that stand by and laugh or participate in one way or another? Most of the time the punishment is just a slap on the wrist.
Most important, where are these kids' parents? Is the school informing them that their child is harassing another kid? Parents should be held accountable for what their children do.
If we find that our children are harassing or bullying another, especially online, we have the right to take away their computers, phones and other privileges. Children who use the Internet to harass, degrade or bully another should not have access to the Internet.
Perhaps the schools should also require those children who are bullying to perform some kind of community service in order to have a good standing in school.
BBC News - Coventry school tackles Facebook bullying
BBC News - Coventry school tackles Facebook bullying
Three students at a Coventry school have been excluded over "cyber bullying".
Wendy Tomes, headteacher at Sidney Stringer Academy, issued a letter telling parents malicious comments were made on the Facebook networking site.
"The students involved have been identified, and in many cases face fixed term exclusions," she said.
Police said they had spoken to a boy who was the subject of comments but were leaving the matter to the school.
Ms Tomes said there were about 18 people involved in the cyber bullying incident, not all of them Sydney Stringer students.
Three students at a Coventry school have been excluded over "cyber bullying".
Wendy Tomes, headteacher at Sidney Stringer Academy, issued a letter telling parents malicious comments were made on the Facebook networking site.
"The students involved have been identified, and in many cases face fixed term exclusions," she said.
Police said they had spoken to a boy who was the subject of comments but were leaving the matter to the school.
Ms Tomes said there were about 18 people involved in the cyber bullying incident, not all of them Sydney Stringer students.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A resource for student leaders to counter bullying
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/studentwellbeing/anti-bullyingpolicy.php
NSW Education Department download anti-bullying policy.
NSW Education Department download anti-bullying policy.
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