Bullying Trends Among Secondary Students Alysha Burkholder ELCO High School Emotional Support Teacher
What research shows… ! 3/4 of adolescents have some kind of experience related to bullying, which entails name-calling or public humiliation. ! Parents are the building block for decreasing bullying in schools. ! 160,000 children skip school everyday. ! One in twenty high school students will skip daily in fear of their personal safety.
What research shows… ! Children with learning disabilities and those who are identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are particularly targeted. ! Bullying occurs at similar rates for males and females. ! Ninth grade is a time when frequency is elevated. ! Depression, poor academic grades, low selfesteem, anxiety and suicidal ideations have been linked to victimization.
What research shows... !   Boys are more vulnerable to physical and verbal bullying than female students in elementary, high school, and college. !   The dropout rate due to bullying is recorded at 10.3% in the United States, 23% in Australia, 9% in Germany, 6% in Korea and in South America an astonishing 60% of students drop out before year twelve of graduation.
Types of bullying ! ! ! ! !
Verbal bullying Social exclusion/isolation Rumors or false accusations Items damaged or stolen Cyber bullying
Types of bullying cont. !  Direct bullying is outlined as being aggressive towards others, and is the most common and serious type among males. !  Indirect bullying, which entails rumors and social exclusion, is increasingly and recurrently reported among females and deemed less inappropriate by society.
Characteristics of bullies !   Perpetrators of bullying are found to be insecure, are more aggressive, and feel the need to be in control. !   Bullies tend to victimize others in public settings where at least four other peers are present. !   Most bystanders do not intervene because they feel the victim deserves the humiliation and brings on the problems themselves.
Characteristics of bullies !   In general, family characteristics such as a lack of parental care, supervision, control and love, dysfunctional families, single parents, as well as economic status are known to be contributing factors in the devise of a bully. !   Most children develop anti-bullying attitudes; however, studies have shown that a few children appear to admire the bully and lack sympathy for their victims.
Characteristics of victims !  Victims of bullying are found to have low self-esteem and are shy and reserved, often found to have an intellectual disability or prefer a different sexual orientation. !  Students who suffer from depression have also been targeted, for the bully knows they can be easily persuaded.
Myths regarding bullying ! Little research supports the fact that bullies suffer from low self esteem. ! In fact, most studies report that bullies perceive themselves in a positive light and often display verbose self-views. ! Most bullies have friends and appear to have a high social status in school. ! Some teens have been known to even try to imitate a bully in an attempt to gain popularity among them.
Myths cont. !   Another myth regarded the implementation of zero tolerance policies as effective practices in reducing bullying. !   In fact, these policies can lead to an increase in antisocial behavior due to the fact that most bullies are either suspended or expelled for their behavior. !   Administrators often resort to this practice in an attempt to send a message to the student body that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Myths cont. !   Before any program is to be considered, administration must look at the scope of the problem and consider the socio-economic status of their students and understand effective solutions are neither quick nor simple. !   On a positive note, research remained inconclusive that once a child is a victim, they will always carry that label.
Myths cont. ! Another misconception is regarding bullying as a natural part of childhood and that the incidents build character. ! Not only does bullying increase the vulnerabilities of children, it can lead to depression where the victim often believes they deserve the taunting. ! Most victims become so paranoid about going to school that they try and avoid it all costs. ! By skipping school, the victim falls further behind in their education, which leads to grade retention.
Timeline for project School board approval: February 6, 2012 Administration approval: February 10, 2012 Freshmen letters sent home: February 10, 2012 Pre-survey distributed to eligible students and professional staff: March 1, 2012 ! Intervention: April 1, 2012 through May 1, 2012 ! Freshman assembly: April 24, 2012 ! Post-survey distributed to eligible students and professional staff: May 2, 2012 ! ! ! !
So what did ELCO have to say?
Professional Staff: Who Participated?(Pre-Survey) 14 Male Teachers 14 Female Teachers 3 Teachers did not specify their gender 58 Surveys were handed out to professional staff ! 31 Surveys were returned ! Average number of years teaching is 17 ! ! ! !
Professional Staff: Who Participated?(Post-Survey) 7 Male Teachers 14 Female Teachers 2 Teachers did not specify their gender 58 Surveys were handed out to professional staff ! 23 Surveys were returned ! ! ! !
During this current school year, how many times have you witnessed a student being bullied? 20 18 16 14 12 Never Sometimes
10
Regulary 8
Daily
6 4 2 0 Pre (Before April)
Post (After April)
Where have you witnessed bullying incidents? 25
20
15
Hallways Classrooms Bathrooms Cafeteria
10
Bus stop Internet Other
5
0 Teachers (Before April)
Students (Before April)
Teachers (After April)
Students (After April)
What kind of bullying have you witnessed? 25 20
None
15
Teased or called names Pushed, shoved, kicked Exclusion
10 5 0
Spreading rumors Before April
After April
What do you do as an educator when you witness bullying take place at your school? 25 20
Nothing
15
I stop it and tell everyone to leave I stop it and solve the problem myself I report the incident to an administrator Other
10 5 0
Before April
After April
Do you think your high school has an issue with bullying? 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Teachers Students Teachers Students (Before (Before (After (After April) April) April) April)
Yes No Not reporting
Do you think the implementation of a bullying club would be effective at your school? 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Teachers (Before April)
Yes No Not reporting
Students (Before April)
Teachers (After April)
Comments from survey (Before April) What do you think? Technology has made it easier to bully
Assemblies each year would be helpful
What is the difference between bullying and kidding around?
Applied classes need bullying help
Our school is tolerant of those who are different
CP/Honors students bully when teacher's are not around
Applied students bully with a teacher present. Do not fear consequences
An assembly regarding bullying starting in 9th grade with administrative support
Tolerance training for students and staff
All schools have bullying
Students need to step up to the bully
Kids who join the club would be singled out for bullying
Online bullying is an issue-comforts from the screen without face to face
Kids are subtle and careful about where they bully
A club would not solve the problem
Those who are bullied have poor social skills
A bullying club would We have issues provide education for both with race here at our school students and teachers
Changing the mindset This area is not accepting Applied students have poor of students and teachers of people and ideas that are social skills can be difficult different
Comments from survey (After April) What do you think? Bullying awareness month was a good idea
Heightening awareness of bullying listing daily statistics was great
Keep up the great work with this issue
Students are unaware they're bullying
Bullying is mainly with girls
This opened the door for more and continued dialogue
Kids who bully think they're kidding, but the student who is being bullied will say it's a joke
Students are mean because they don't like the victim
"Fill my bucket" campaign should be implemented at the elementary level
A club could implement activitities to continue awareness and dialogue= improvement
Because of the above mentioned, it makes it hard to intervene
Report incident to a central-single individual only
Freshman Class: Who Participated? (Pre-Survey) ! 171 Parental permission slips were sent home to Freshman students ! 23 Signed permission slips were returned ! 17 Surveys were returned
Freshman Class: Who Participated? (Post-Survey) !  23 surveys were passed out !  18 surveys were returned
Please Note !  Not all of the participants answered each question, or they may have picked more than one response.
Gender 10 9 8 7 6 5
Male Female
4 3 2 1 0 Before April
After April
Age 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
13 14 15
Academic Level 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Applied College Prep. Honors
Ethnicity: Optional 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Caucasian Hispanic African-American Asian-Island Pacific Other
Do you play any junior or varsity sports? 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Yes No
Do you have an IEP? 12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Yes No
Do you expect to attend college upon graduation? 16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Yes No
During this current school year, how many times have you been bullied? 12 10 Never
8
Sometimes (1 to 2 times per month) Regularly (1 to 2 times a week) Daily
6 4 2 0
Before April
After April
During this current school year, how many times have you witnessed someone being bullied? 14
12
10
8
Never Sometimes (1 to 2 times a month) Regularly (1 to 2 times per week)
6
Daily
4
2
0 Before April
After April
How were you bullied? 10 9 8 7 I haven't been bullied
6
Teased/called names Hit, kicked, pushed
5
Exclusion Rumors
4
Text msgs/social blogs Items stolen
3 2 1 0 Before April
After April
Have you ever bullied someone? 14 12 Never
10 8
Regularly (1 to 2 times a week) Regularly (1 to 2 times a week) Daily
6 4 2 0
Before April
After April
What do teachers do at school when they see bullying? 10 9 8 7 6 Nothing 5
Tell everyone to leave the area Solve the problem on their own
4
Other
3 2 1 0 Before April
After April
Have you moved into this school district within the past three years? 16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Yes No
If you moved into this district within the past three years, where did you attend school before? 2 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0
Another PA school A school outside PA Home school/cyber school A school outside the US
What can we do as educators? !   Early intervention by teachers and staff is crucial for evaluating the situation and intervening in the appropriate way before the conflict escalates. !   In order for bullying to be reduced in the secondary setting, staff must understand the etiology behind bullying and understand why students bully in the first place. !   Bully awareness education would reveal why bullying is such a common problem and identify the roles and characteristics of a bully.
Intervention cont. !   Staff must also take into account their student s social skill levels, how they express their anger and frustration and also evaluate the student s home life. !   The most important factor to note is problems with bullies and victims are not the same. !   Bullies do not need strategies that deal with selfesteem. They need coping strategies on how to appropriately deal with their frustration and anger without blaming others for their problems.
Intervention cont. !   Conversely, victims need strategies that promote a positive self-view and teach them not to place blame on themselves for the harassment they endure. !   When witnessed, an adult should always intervene and express that bullying is unacceptable. !   This will send a message to the bully that their behavior will not be tolerated and it gives more power to the victim, letting them know they are not alone.
Intervention cont. !   One thing teachers can do is turn the incident into a teachable moment that encourages open discussion among their students. !   They could also teach tolerance for differences and express appreciation for diversity. !   Districts should also alter the school environment first before altering educational or curriculum changes to deal with this growing pestilence.
Prevention of bullying !   Students at risk for aggressive behavior may benefit from an intervention system that provides early detection and implements appropriate behavior change. !   An intervention team created by the school district can implement this. This team would comprise of staff who are respected and valued by their peers, have the time and be knowledgeable of available resources, as well as the authority to develop and implement a behavior plan.
Prevention cont. !   The first step would be to document the incident using a fabricated form. The completed form would then be passed on to a team member who will provide the intervention and follow up as deemed necessary. !   School administrators would only become involved if the incident was severe in nature and could not be handled appropriately.
Prevention cont. !   A specially designed anti-bullying program that illustrates the effects of bullying and encourages positive and trusting environments with the emphasis on how such behavior is neither acceptable nor tolerable is crucial. !   Students need to be encouraged to tell an adult and understand their concerns will remain confidential and will be dealt with in an appropriate way.
Intervention cont. !   A community based blog dedicated to young people who are experiencing mental health problems have also been linked to the decrease of bullying in their designated school. !   By increasing the awareness of the effects of bullying and providing training on skills for effectively handling bullying situations, teachers may be more apt to intervene.
Intervention cont. !   School psychologists and social workers can be an instrumental part in educating parents, staff, and students about effective strategies for dealing with bullying and communicating their concerns to administration. !   Eliminating the gap between student and teacher perceptions of bullying is the first influential step to prevent bullying and to helping students feel safe at school.
The plan for our school !  April is now designated as ELCO s stand-up against bullying month. !  On the last day of April, the 30th, students and staff were encouraged to wear blue, the official color of antibullying in support of our new cause.
The plan cont. ! I initially went on the morning announcements to explain the plan to the school body. ! Daily statistics regarding bullying were presented to the crew of the morning announcements. They then read each statistic every morning for the month of April. A copy of each statistic was hung on the main hallway bulletin board. ! Clips from YouTube regarding anti-bullying were played every Tuesday during the morning announcements. ! Teachers were encouraged to stand out in the hallway during the transition periods, since it was determined by our surveys that this is where bullying incidents occur the most. ! There was also an assembly presented to the freshman class regarding bullying. I was the guest speaker. ! The hope is that an assembly related to this topic will be presented to the entire student body in the future and possibly every year after that to incoming freshmen.
Statistics for the month of April 1
8
2 8% of students miss one day of school a month to avoid being bullied.
3 By age 24, up to 60% of children who bully will have at least one criminal conviction.
4
5
6
Spring Vacation
Spring Vacation
Spring Vacation
9
10 Physical bullying declines with age, but indirect bullying such as exclusion from groups increases.
11 Playground statistics: every 7 minutes a child is bullied-adult intervention-4%, peer intervention-11%, no intervention-85%.
12 Students who bully become less popular as they grow older, until they are eventually disliked by the majority of students.
13 4 times out of 5, an argument with someone who bullies will wind up as a physical fight.
14
Spring Vacation
7
15
16 Bullying can have a lifelong effect on a person.
17 Over 70% of teachers say they always intervene, but only 25% of students agree with them!
18 Most victims will not tell anyone they are being bullied.
19 Children of bullies often become bullies themselves and will probably continue to bully as adults unless they get help.
20 A child s ability to understand emotions is impaired when he/she witnesses adults showing a lot of anger.
21
22
23 Most bullying takes place in or close to school buildings.
24 Student bullies appear to need to feel powerful and in control.
25 Students involved in bullying (whether bullying or being bullied) usually have poor social skills and problems at home.
26 On average, bullying episodes are usually short, lasting for 37 seconds.
27 The most common form of verbal bullying is namecalling.
28
29
30 One in seven children is either someone who bullies or is a victim of bullying.
The plan cont. ! It is my intention to start an anti-bullying club for the next school year. ! The official name and motto for ELCO will be determined by the club members. ! October is National Anti-bullying month. Our club would then come up with activities, posters, slogans, etc. to support our cause here at ELCO.
References !
Allen, K. (2010). A bullying intervention system: Reducing risk and creating support for aggressive students. Preventing School Failure, 54(3), 199-209.
!
Bauman, S. (2008). Victimization by bullying and harassment in high school: Findings from the 2005 youth risk behavior survey in a southwestern state. Journal of School Violence, 7(3), 86-104.
!
Bowes, L., Maughan, B., Caspi, A., Moffitt, T., & Arseneault, L. (2010). Families promote emotional and behavioural resilience to bullying: Evidence of an environmental effect. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 7(51), 809-817.
!
Bradshaw, C., Sawyer, A., & O Brennan, L. (2007). Bullying and peer victimization at school: Perceptual differences between students and staff. School Psychology Review, 36(7), 361-382.
!
Chapell, M., Hasselman, S., Kitchin, T., Lomon, S., MacIver, K., & Sarullo, P. (2006). Bullying in elementary school, high school, and college. Adolescence, 41(164), 633-648.
References cont. !
DeLara, E. (2008). Developing a philosophy about bullying and sexual harassment: Cognitive coping strategies among high school students. Journal of School Violence, 7(4), 72-96.
!
Desjardins, T., & Leadbeater, B. (2011). Relational victimization and depressive symptoms in adolescence: Moderating effects of mother, father, and peer emotional support. Journal of Youth Violence, 40(5), 531-544.
!
Dracic, S. (2009). Bullying and peer victimization. Materia Socio Medica, 21(4), 216-219.
!
Fox, C., Elder, T., Gater, J., & Johnson, E. (2010). The association between adolescents' beliefs in a just world and their attitudes to victims of bullying. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 80(1), 183-198.
!
Graham, S. (2010). What educators need to know about bullying behaviors. Kappan, 92(1), 66-69.
!
Maunder, R., Harrop, A., & Tattersall, A. (2010). Pupil and staff perception of bullying in secondary schools: Comparing behavioural definitions and their perceived seriousness. Educational Research, 3(52), 263-282.
References cont. !
Osvaldsson, K. (2011). Bullying in context: Stories of bullying on an Internet discussion board. Children and Society, 25(4), 317-327.
!
Pearce, N., Cross, D., Monks, H., Waters, S., & Falconer, S. (2011). Current evidence of best practice in whole-school bullying intervention and its potential to inform cyberbullying interventions. Australian Journal of Guidance and Counseling, 21(1), 1-21.
!
Townsend, L., Flisher, A., Chikobvu, P., Lombard, C., & King, G. (2008). The relationship between bullying behaviours and high school dropout in Cape Town, South Africa. Psychological Society of South Africa, 38(1), 21-32.
!
Vrjas, K., Meyers, J., Bellmoff, L., Lopp, E., Birckbichler, L., & Marshall, M. (2008). Missing voices: Fourth through eighth grade urban students perceptions of bullying, Journal of School Violence, 7(4), 97-118.
!
Wiedmer, T. (2011). Workplace bullying: Costly and preventable. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 35-41.
!
World Teachers Press. (2003). Bullying. Rowley, MA: Didax, Inc.
YouTube clips
! ! ! !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRiAchoVm9E&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j6YA03hm4k http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8j4Fxko1Ck&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i6IvT7Vuk4