Hello Friends of Prevention,

This edition of the E-Newsletter addresses a significant issue for our children; that of “bullying”. Together, we will learn the definition of bullying; including what constitutes bullying behavior, the characteristics of bullies, strategies to cope with bullies and strategies to reduce bullying in our nation’s schools. Many of our country’s schools have initiated strategies to reduce bullying. Even with these efforts, three out of five secondary pupils say they have experienced bullying. Recent research suggests that up to ten percent of preschool children are affected from anxiety and aggression related to bullying. It’s time we turn the corner on this harmful activity and work together to change the learning environment in our schools that are affected by bullying. Together, knowing the facts, we can make a difference and determine what role each of us can play in making all of our children’s experiences healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

James M. Hmurovich
President and CEO

Definition and Characteristics
Bullying involves the tormenting of others through verbal harassment, physical assault, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation.  There is currently no legal definition of bullying.

In colloquial speech, bullying often describes a form of harassment perpetrated by an abuser having more physical and/or social power and dominance than the victim possesses.  The victim of bullying is sometimes referred to as a target.  The harassment can be verbal, physical and/or emotional.

Norwegian researcher Dan Olweus, the pre-eminent researcher of bullying among school-age children and youth, defines bullying as when a person is "is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons.".  He defines negative action as "when a person intentionally inflicts injury or discomfort upon another person, through physical contact, through words or in other ways.' [1].

Bullying can occur in any setting where human beings interact with each other.  This includes school, the workplace, home and neighborhoods.  Bullying can exist between social groups, social classes and even between countries.

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What can be done to stop bullying?

There are many effective strategies for both teachers and parents who wish to stop bullying.  An important starting point is to realize that much bullying occurs without the knowledge of teachers and parents, and that many victims are very reluctant to tell adults of their problems with bullying.  They may be ashamed to be a victim, and they are afraid that adults cannot or will not help to resolve the situation.  They may have been threatened with retaliation if they tell. 

Also, adults must re-examine some of their own beliefs with regard to interpersonal behavior before they can intervene effectively.  Many teachers and parents tell children not to "tattle," and to resolve their problems themselves.  In the bullying situation, though, there is a power imbalance of some kind which ensures that the victim always gets the worst of the interaction.  The victim and bully both need intervention in order to stop the pattern. 

Some important strategies in stopping bullying are: providing good supervision for children; providing effective consequences to bullies; using good communication between teachers and parents; providing all children opportunities to develop good interpersonal skills; and creating a social content which is supportive and inclusive, in which aggressive, bully behavior is not tolerated by the majority. To read more about strategies to cope with bullying, especially within schools and strategies for teachers, click the link below.  If you are a parent and what to know how to help your child that has been bullied or protect your child from future bullying activities, read our "Tips for Parents" on the left bar.
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