Why is bullying important?Why is bullying important?

• Current research reports peer abuse and victimisation is a major cause of mental health problems.

(Martin, Slee, Rigby, 2001, Underestimating effects of bullying)

What is Bullying?

• Repeated and unjustifiable behaviour

• Intended to cause fear, distress and/or harm

• Physical, verbal, psychological, relational

• By a more powerful individual or group

• Against a less powerful individual unable to effectively resist

BULLYING IS:when these things happen again and again to someone and that person is

unable stop it from happening

Being ignored, left out on purpose,

or not allowed to join in.

Lies or nasty stories are told about them to make other kids

not like them.

Being made afraid

of getting hurt.

Being hit, kicked or pushed around.

Being made fun of and teased in a mean and

hurtful way.

Where?

• Break times

• On the way to and from school

• It is estimated that 200 million children are abused by their peers one or more times a week

• Transition times

• Junior to middle school

• Middle to senior school

• Reshuffling of social order and

assertion increases likelihood of

bullying

When?

• School environment can effect bullying: -Lockers

-Stairwells

• Teacher visibility

Architecture

• Witnesses• Spectators• Supporters• Dobbing vs seeking help• Teachers• Must be mobilised to make a

difference

Bystanders

• Be observant• Use incident report forms• Use the language• Use the activities• Be kind program• Welfare committee- review policies

Where to from here?