Bullying and Harassment

1. Bullying and Harassment

2. Bullying and Harassment • Entry Task Questions • Do you think bullying is a problem at our school? Why or why not? • Do you think that social media ( facebook, twitter, snap chat) has made bullying more prevalent among middle and high school students?

3. Bullying and Harassment Definition • “Harassment or bullying” means any intentionally written message or image, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics.

4. Bullying and Harassment Definition Continued • When an act: • Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property • Is so severe or persistent that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment (interferes with a student’s education)

5. Bullying Vocabulary • Bullying key words– intentional, repeated, negative, lack of empathy, power imbalance • Intimidation - implied or overt threats of physical violence • Hazing - any method of initiation into a student organization or living group… that causes bodily danger or physical harm, or serious mental or emotional harm.

6. Harassment Vocabulary • Harassment - any malicious act, which causes harm to any person's physical or mental well being • Sexual harassment - unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct directed at person because of his/her sex

7. What are the differences and similarities between bullying and harassment? • Harassment and bullying both involve behavior which harms, intimidates, threatens, victimizes, offends, degrades or humiliates. • Harassment is always linked to Anti-discrimination Laws and thus will focus on gender, race, ethnic background, color, religion or belief, sexual orientation or disability. • Harassment may be a single incident or a series of incidents. • Bullying is repeated inappropriate behavior, direct or indirect and by one or more persons which undermines an individuals right to dignity.

8. What does bullying look like? • Physical examples: biting, kicking, pushing, pinching, hitting, tripping, pulling hair, any form of violence or intimidation, or damaging or stealing another person’s property.  • Verbal examples: speaking to a person or about a person in an unkind or hurtful way, sarcasm, teasing, put-downs, name calling, spreading rumors or hurtful gossip.  • Emotional examples: behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass a person, nasty notes, saying mean things using technology (cyberbullying), threatening, humiliation or social embarrassment.  • Sexual examples: singling out a person because of gender, demonstrating unwarranted or unwelcome sexual behavior, sexual comments, unwanted physical contact.

9. How can it be stopped? • Stand up to the bully by telling them to stop in a firm, clear, and calm voice • Seek help from an administrator, counselor, teacher, or trusted adult immediately • Don’t be a bystander if you see someone being bullied or harassed, be an “upstander” • Be a friend to the person being bullied, let them know that they are not alone

10. Bullying Assignment • Choices page 8-11 • Complete both sides of the worksheet • If you do not finish in class today, this assignment is due next Monday 9/16