Bullying Prevention

Bullying Prevention An introductory course for Plast leaders

What is bullying? • "Bullying" is aggressive behavior which repeats itself. • The goal of bullying is to do harm, create fear or intimidation, or to create a negative atmosphere for another person(s). • Bullying arises in a situation where there is a real or perceived imbalance of power.

What are the harmful effects of bullying? • Bullying is not a normal part of growing up. • Simply put, bullying hurts and children and youth can experience both short- and long-term emotional consequences when they are victims of bullying.

Is conflict the same as bullying? • Conflict occurs when two or more individuals have a disagreement, have different views on a subject or different ideas. • Conflict between people does NOT always mean there is bullying. • During a conflict, each individual voices their view and there is no imbalance of power. • Conflict becomes bullying only when it is repeated over and over again and there is an imbalance of power.

Types of bullying Direct Bullying • Physical (hitting, shoving, kicking, etc.) • Verbal (taunting, degrading comments, put-downs, slurs, name-calling)

Types of bullying Indirect Bullying • Social (spreading rumors, public embarrassment, intentionally leaving someone out of activities/conversations on purpose) • Cyber (using any form of electronic technology (cell phones, computers, texts, videos, photos, social media sites to taunt, embarrass, threaten)

Bullying at camp • Bullying at camps is one of three main reasons why children do not return to camp

Counselors have the following goals: • Create a safe and pleasant atmosphere at camp • Build healthy relationships between campers • Build positive relationships among adults to provide a good example for positive relationships between children • Show respect toward others regardless of any differences • Describe types of bullying and explaining that they are hurtful to others • Teach campers different methods to overcome disagreements without intimidation or aggression • Ensure all campers are included in camp life

Dynamics of bullying at camp

Bystanders • Bystanders can play very powerful roles in a bullying situation. • During counselor orientation, camper discussions, and activities, it's important to emphasize the role of the bystander. • Campers who witness bullying and do nothing can contribute to the problem, or they can make it worse by joining in; campers can prevent or stop the bullying by intervening or getting help.

Intervention of Bullying

Intervention of Bullying • Set firm limits for inappropriate behaviors • Empower victims to inform an adult whom they trust if they are being bullied • Empower bystanders to stop bullying and protect the victim • Impose immediate and appropriate consequences for anyone who bullies • Consistently enforce the consequences for bullying behavior

Steps to takes if you witness bullying • Stop the bullying immediately • Say "This stops now!" (Це зупиняється тепер!) • Stand between the bully or bulliers and the victim to block eye contact between them • Turn to the victim and tell them they did not deserve this and it should not have happened.

Step to takes if you are witness bullying • Turn to the bullies and tell them you witnessed the bullying (identify the act you saw) and that bullying is forbidden at camp. • Inform the appropriate counselors including the komandant

Follow Up with the Bully • Ensure a private space • Explain that this behavior is unacceptable • Do not allow the bully to argue, blame the victim or lessen the act of bullying • Underscore how the bullying affects the victim • Discuss how to make the situation better or how to act without aggression • Promise to meet with the bully in a few days.

Consequences for the bully • In the presence of the counselor, the bully must apologize to the victim and promise that the behavior will not continue • Consequences will vary based on the offense • Privileges may be withheld • Participation in activities such as swimming, sports or dances may be withdrawn • Komendant will contact parents, in the presence of the bully, and will suggest further consequences should the bullying continue • In the worst circumstances or if the behavior continues, the bully may be sent home from camp

Follow Up with the Victim • Provide a private space • Show support • Allow the victim to express their feelings • Ask what would make the victim feel safer and discuss steps to do this • Inform the camper's parents • Promise to meet with the camper in a few days

Follow Up • Komendant is responsible to ensure all incidents of bullying are documented. • Komendant is expected to seek additional guidance and support from Stanitzya and/or KPS should they feel any situation exceeds their capabilities.

Commitment to a Bullying-Free Camp • Successful bullying prevention requires education, preparation, and teamwork. • Every camper and counselor deserves to be treated with respect and to feel safe, included, and valued. • Only through a committed effort by everyone can camps ensure that every camper and counselor has a bullying-free experience at camp.

Bullying Prevention