Most people do not realize the severity of bullying that is taking place in today’s school system with one out of three bullying incidents going unreported during the school year. This number is reduced in half when there in an anti-bullying program within the school
What is Bullying?:
According to www.stopbullying.gov, bullying is:
“…unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious lasting problems.”
Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things.
Teasing
Name-calling
Inappropriate sexual comments
Taunting
Threatening to cause harm
Social bullying or relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships.
Leaving someone out on purpose
Telling other children not to be friends with someone
Spreading rumors about someone
Embarrassing someone in public
Cyber – Bullying online
Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions.
Hitting/kicking/pinching
Spitting
Tripping/pushing
Taking or breaking someone’s things
Making mean or rude hand gestures
Where and when does bullying happen?
Bullying can occur during or after school hours. While most reported bullying happens in the school building, a significant percentage also happens in places like on the playground or the bus. It can also happen traveling to or from school, in the youth’s neighborhood, or on the Internet.