Bullying – Child’s Play?

1. Bullying – Child’s Play? University of Houston – Clear Lake Counselor Education Program – Fall 2004 Claudia Gonzalez Sandra Rios Translated by Ruby S. Martinez

2. What is Bullying? “Name calling, humiliation, spreading rumors, gossiping, public ridicule, scapegoating and blaming, isolating, punching, hitting, kicking, taunting, ostracizing, sexualizing, and making ethnic or gender slurs” “Bullying is carried out by someone who has more power against someone who has less power”

3. Bullying Has Reached Epidemic Proportions 66% of adolescents are teased at least once a month, and nearly 1/3 of adolescents are bullied at least once a month. 6 out of 10 American teens witness bullying at least once a day. Adolescents in grades 6-10, nearly 1 in 6 -or 3.2 million-are victims of bullying each year and 3.7 million are bullies. http:www.womedia.org/lgr_statistics.htm

4. What Are the Effects Of Bullying On Victims? An estimated 160,000 children miss school every day fearing further harassment or coercion by other students. 1 out of every 10 students drops out of school because of repeated bullying. They are more likely to experience physical problems such as common colds, coughs, sore throats, poor appetite, and night waking. Victims of bullying are 5 times more likely to be depressed and far more likely to be suicidal. http://www.womedia.org/lgr_statistics.htm

5. The Victims . . . May be stigmatized by other children as well; wearing away their self-belief Reflect feelings of self criticism Possibly justify the bullying May isolate and steer clear of social and intellectual situations Are usually sheltered by parents who promote needy behavior May be victims of abuse in their own home Wheeler & Baron, 1994, p. 55

6. Bullies Are . . . fearful of being found out terrified that others will see their shortfalls and loneliness afraid to take responsibility for their behavior scared to confront themselves Middelton-Moz & Zawadski, 2002, p. 166

7. Bullies need to learn to… acknowledge their own actions acknowledge the results of their behavior on themselves change their actions to stay out of trouble find other ways to get their needs met acknowledge the results of their behavior on others learn to trust and delay gratification form relationships with helping adults Stan Davis http://www.stopbullyingnow.com February, 2004

8. Parents’ Guide • Be aware that bullying is a serious problem. • Be aware that victims are physically weaker, often younger. • Recognize that it is a real problem for children. • Immediately inform your child’s school of your concerns if incidents take place at school, in route or elsewhere. • Watch for symptoms. • Talk and listen to your child. • Don’t bully your child yourself. • Teach your child to be independent. Wheeler & Baron, 1994, p. 61

9. References • Berger, K.S. (1980). The Developing Person: Through Childhood and Adolescence. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. • Middleton-Moz, J. and Zawadski, M. L. (2002). Bullies From the Playground To the Boardroom: Strategies for Survival. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications, Inc. • “Stop Bullying Now!” by Stan Davis. Retrieved on 11/20/2004. http://www.stopbullyingnow.com. • Wheeler, E.D., and Baron, S. A., PhD. (1994). Violence In Our Schools, Hospitals, and Public Places: A Prevention and Management Guide. Ventura, CA: Pathfinder Publishing. • Women’s Educational Media. “Let’s Get Real Statistics on Name-Calling, Bullying and School Violence”. Retrieved on 11/20/2004. http://www.womedia.org/lgr_statistics.htm