Bullying

Question 1

What is bullying?

Answer 1

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

Question 2

Physical bullying involves?

Answer 2

1. Hitting/kicking/pinching
2. Spitting
3. Tripping/pushing
4. Taking or breaking someone’s things
5. Making mean or rude hand gestures

Question 3

What are the three types of bullying?

Answer 3

Verbal bullying, Social bullying, Physical bullying

Question 4

What is verbal bullying?

Answer 4

Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things.

Question 5

How often does an action have to occur before it is referred to as bullying?

Answer 5

The behaviour is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time.

Question 6

Social bullying involves?

Answer 6

1. Leaving someone out on purpose
2. Telling other children not to be friends with someone
3. Spreading rumors about someone
4. Embarrassing someone in public

Question 7

Verbal bullying involves?

Answer 7

1. Teasing
2. Name-calling
3. Inappropriate sexual comments
4. Taunting
5. Threatening to cause harm

Question 8

What is social bullying?

Answer 8

Sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships.

Question 9

What is physical bullying?

Answer 9

Involves hurting a person’s body or possessions.

Question 10

What roles do young people play in bullying?

Answer 10

1. Young people can bully others,
2. they can be bullied, or
3. they may witness bullying.

Question 11

Can young people play more than one role in bullying?

Answer 11

Yes. When young people are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. Sometimes young people may both be bullied and bully others, or they may witness other young people being bullied.

Question 12

What are the roles of young people involved in bullying?

Answer 12

1. Kids who bully
2. Kids who are bullied
3. Kids who assist
4. Kids who reinforce
5. Outsiders
6. Kids who defend

Question 13

What is the role of young people who bully?

Answer 13

They engage in bullying behavior towards their peers.

Question 14

Why do young people bully?

Answer 14

There are many risk factors that may contribute to the child’s involvement in the behavior.

Question 15

What is the role of young people who are bullied?

Answer 15

These children are the targets of bullying behavior.

Question 16

Why are young people more prone to be bullied?

Answer 16

Some factors put children at more risk of being bullied, but not all children with these characteristics will be bullied.

Question 17

Can a young person who is not directly involved in bullying contribute to it?

Answer 17

Yes. Even if a child is not directly involved in bullying, they may be contributing to the behavior.

Question 18

What are the roles of young people who are not directly involved in bullying, but witness it?

Answer 18

1. Kids who assist
2. Kids who reinforce
3. Kids who defend
4. Kids who are outsiders

Question 19

What is the role of a young person who assists in bullying?

Answer 19

These children may encourage the bullying behavior and occasionally join in.

Question 20

What is the role of a young person who reinforces bullying?

Answer 20

They will often laugh or provide support for the children who are engaging in bullying. This may encourage the bullying to continue.

Question 21

What is the role of an outsider during an act of bullying?

Answer 21

1. They neither reinforce the bullying behavior nor defend the child being bullied.
2. Some may watch what is going on but do not provide feedback about the situation to show they are on anyone’s side.
3. Even so, providing an audience may encourage the bullying behavior.
4. These kids often want to help, but don’t know how. Learn how to be “more than a bystander.

Question 22

What is the role of a young person who defends during an act of bullying?

Answer 22

These children actively comfort the child being bullied and may come to the child’s defense when bullying occurs.

Question 23

What are some of the factors that children who are bullied tend to have?

Answer 23

1. They are different to their peers - such as (i) being overweight or underweight, (ii) wearing glasses or different clothing, (iii) being new to a school, or (iv) being unable to afford what kids consider cool.
2. Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves.
3. Are depressed, anxious or have low self esteem.
4. Are less popular than others and have few friends.
5. Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonise others for attention.

There may be more factors that contribute; it also doesn’t mean that those who have these factors will be bullied.

Question 24

What are the two types of young people who are more likely to bully others?

Answer 24

1. Some are (i) well connected to their peers, (ii) have social power, are (iii) overly concerned about their popularity, and (iv) like to dominate or be in charge of others.
2. Others are (i) more isolated from their peers and (ii) may be depressed or anxious, (iii) have low self esteem, (iv) be less involved in school, (v) be easily pressured by peers, or (vi) not identify with the emotions or feelings of others.

Question 25

What factors may contribute to young people bullying others?

Answer 25

1. Are aggressive or easily frustrated
2. Have less parental involvement or having issues at home
3. Think badly of others
4. Have difficulty following rules
5. View violence in a positive way
6. Have friends who bully others

Question 26

What is the source of power imbalance during bullying?

Answer 26

1. Those who bully may be stronger or bigger than those they bully.
2. The bully may be more popular
3. The difference in cognitive ability between the bully and the person being bullied.

Question 27

Why is it important to recognise the warning signs that someone is being affected by bullying?

Answer 27

1. It is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.
2. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to the child can help identify the root of the problem.

Question 28

What are some signs that young people are being bullied?

Answer 28

1. Unexplainable injuries
2. Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
3. Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
4. Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
5. Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
6. Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
7. Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
8. Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
9. Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

Question 29

What are some signs that a young person is bullying others?

Answer 29

1. Get into physical or verbal fights
2. Have friends who bully others
3. Are increasingly aggressive
4. Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
5. Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
6. Blame others for their problems
7. Don’t accept responsibility for their actions
8. Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

Question 30

Why don’t some young people who are being bullied ask for help?

Answer 30

1. Bullying can make a child feel helpless. Kids may want to handle it on their own to feel in control again. They may fear being seen as weak or a tattletale.
2. Kids may fear backlash from the kid who bullied them.
3. Bullying can be a humiliating experience. Kids may not want adults to know what is being said about them, whether true or false. They may also fear that adults will judge them or punish them for being weak.
4. Kids who are bullied may already feel socially isolated. They may feel like no one cares or could understand.
5. Kids may fear being rejected by their peers. Friends can help protect kids from bullying, and kids can fear losing this support

Question 31

Who does bullying affect?

Answer 31

Those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying.

Question 32

How are kids who are bullied affected by bullying?

Answer 32

1. Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.
2. Health complaints
3. Decreased academic achievement—GPA and standardized test scores—and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.

Question 33

How are bullies affected by bullying?

Answer 33

Kids who bully are more likely to:

1. Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults
2. Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school
3. Engage in early sexual activity
4. Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults
5. Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults

Question 34

How are bystanders affected by young people?

Answer 34

Kids who witness bullying are more likely to:

1. Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
2. Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
3. Miss or skip school

Question 35

What is the relationship between bullying and suicide?

Answer 35

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. This risk can be increased further when these kids are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.

Question 36

Do special groups have an increased risk of suicide?

Answer 36

Yes, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.

Question 37

What can schools and communities do to help protect against bullying behavior?

Answer 37

Schools and communities that respect diversity can help protect children against bullying behavior.

Question 38

Why is it important for children who are perceived to be different to be in supportive environments?

Answer 38

When children as perceived as different and they are not in a supportive environment , they may be at a higher risk of being bullied.

Question 39

When may bullying be considered harassment?

Answer 39

When bullying based on race or ethnicity is severe, pervasive or persistent.

Question 40

What is the relationship between LGBTQ youth and bullying?

Answer 40

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and those perceived as LGBTQ are at an increased risk of being bullied

Question 41

LGBTQ youth who are at an increased risk of being bullied are also at an increased risk of…?

Answer 41

…depression, suicidal ideation, misuse of drugs and alcohol, risky sexual behavior, and can affect academics as well.

Question 42

It is important to build a safe environment for…

Answer 42

All youth whether or not they are LGBTQ

Question 43

How can parents, schools and communities play a role in helping LGBTQ youth feel physically and emotionally safe?

Answer 43

1. Build strong connections with LGBTQ youth to show acceptance and foster communication. Often LGBTQ youth feel rejected, so it is important for them to know that their families, friends, schools and communities support them.
2. Accept LGBTQ youth as they are, regardless of how they identify, reveal or conceal their sexual identity.
3. Protect LGBTQ youth’s privacy. One should not disclose or discuss sexual identity issues with parents or anyone else of a person who identifies as LGBTQ, without that young person’s prior permissions. Unless there is an immediate threat to their safety or wellbeing.
4. Establish a safe environment at school, where the message is pushed that no one should be treated differently because of who they are or are perceived to be. (I) Sexual orientation and gender identity protection should be added to school anti-discrimination policies. (II) Conduct social-emotional learning activities in school to foster peer-relationships and help students develop empathy.

Question 44

What is the relationship between young people with disabilities and bullying?

Answer 44

Young people with disabilities are more at risk of being bullied, because they may be perceived as different which in turn increases their risk of aggression from peers. They may be perceived as different because of:

1. Their difficulty in getting around the school
2. Trouble communicating and navigating social interactions
3. Showing signs of vulnerability and emotional distress

Question 45

What sort of special health needs put young people at risk of being bullied?

Answer 45

1. Epilepsy - young people who have epilepsy or behavioral disorders may exhibit erratic or unusual behavior that makes them stand out amongst their peers.
2. Food allergies
3. Diabetes - requiring insulin regulation
4. A young person who experiences anxiety or depression or who has a mental health condition may be withdrawn, quiet, fearful, anxious or vulnerable. They may exhibit intense social awkwardness or have difficulty speaking.
5. A young person with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or Tourette’s syndrome may have difficulties with social interactions, sensitivities, impulsivity and self-regulating their behavior or effectively communicating.
6. Young people with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or other neurological or physical conditions can struggle with physical coordination and speech.
7. Brain injuries can impair speech, movement, comprehension and cognitive abilities or any combination of these. A young person with a brain injury may have trouble with body movements, or speaking in a way that others can understand. It could take them longer to understand what is being said or to respond.

Question 46

What can help young people with special health care needs that are at higher risk for bullying?

Answer 46

1. A lack of peer support puts young persons with special health care needs at higher risk of being bullied.
   a. Having friends who are respected by peers can prevent and protect against bullying.
   b. Creating a buddy system for children with special needs. One high school created a weekly lunch program where student’s with and without special healthcare needs sat and ate lunch together. Several senior students led the group, and invited their friends to join. All kinds of students participated. The students got to know each other through question and answer periods and discussions over lunch. They discovered things they had in common and formed friendships. A group of them went to the prom together.
   c. Engaging students in developing high-interest activities in which everyone has a role to play in designing, executing or participating in the activity.
   d. Conducting team-based learning activities and rotate student groupings.
2. Teachers, school staff, and other students need to understand the specific impairment of a child’s health condition, so that they can develop strategies and supports to help them participate and succeed in class and with their peers.
   a. By providing general up-front information to peers about the kinds of support children with special needs require, and have adults facilitate peer support.
   b. Involving students in adaptive strategies in the classroom so that they participate in assisting and understanding the needs of others and developing a sense of empathy.
   c. Implementing social-emotional learning activities.
3. Rewarding positive, helpful, inclusive behavior.

Question 47

In what other situations can bullying occur?

Answer 47

1. Cyber-bullying

2. Workplace bullying where adults can be repeatedly aggressive and use power over each other.