Bullying: An American Epidemic
A recent study defined bullying as, “A type of behavior intended to harm or disturb the victim--it occurs repeatedly over time and involves an imbalance of power, with the more-powerful person or group assailing the less-powerful one. Bullying may be physical, involving hitting or otherwise attacking another person; verbal, involving name-calling or threats; or psychological, involving spreading rumors or excluding a person. (Professional Safety)” In addition, a different study bullying this year proved that bullying has severe health effects. The study showed that bullying leads to health issues including psychological distress and damage (Joan 2015). While strides are being taken to help make this problem disappear, …show more content…
“Passive victims are described as anxious, insecure, appearing to do nothing to provoke attacks, and appearing not to defend themselves. Provocative victims are described as hot-tempered, restless, and anxious, and ones who will attempt to retaliate when attacked (Knoff/Batsche 1994).” There is no real concrete evidence of what makes victims targeted but there are several stereotypes such as the ones described in Lee A. Beaty’s 2008 study. “Victims of bullying tend to be physically smaller, more sensitive, unhappy, cautious, anxious, quiet, and withdrawn than other children. Most victims of bullying can be termed "passive" or "submissive" victims. They are generally insecure and non-assertive, and react by withdrawing and crying when attacked by other students. In this sense, they are vulnerable to being victimized; bullies know these students will not retaliate (Beaty 2008).” Beaty makes a great point in that “Being bullied creates a vicious cycle. These students tend to feel badly about themselves which predisposes them to being bullied. This, in turn, makes them feel worse about themselves and thus vulnerable to even more victimization (Beaty …show more content…
First we must be alert and always aware of what is going on in the classroom. Also we must create a culture that completely renounces bullying in every aspect. Eleanor T. Migliore created a list of twenty ways to prevent bullying from occurring in the classroom in 2003. I will elaborate on the ways that I see best fitting today. “Lead a class discussion on bullying. Make certain that students understand what bullying is and why it is harmful. Have them write about their experiences and feelings, and include role-plays to clearly demonstrate what constitutes bullying (Migliore 2003).” This is one way to eliminate bullying and it is vital so that students can understand what bullying is and the dangers of it as well. Another way is to Teach social skills routinely through specific lessons and in conjunction with other activities throughout the day (Migliore 2003). While it is undoubtedly controversial to implement morals as a teacher, I feel that it is important not only to enhance your students knowledge but also to try to make your students better people. Support students who speak out about bullying or who seek extra adult help (Migliore 2003). Students often look down upon so called “snitches” or “tattletails” but everyone loves to be loved. Therefore in praising students for doing the right thing others will surely follow. Have a clear process to report bullying (Migliore 2003). This enable
A recent study defined bullying as, “A type of behavior intended to harm or disturb the victim--it occurs repeatedly over time and involves an imbalance of power, with the more-powerful person or group assailing the less-powerful one. Bullying may be physical, involving hitting or otherwise attacking another person; verbal, involving name-calling or threats; or psychological, involving spreading rumors or excluding a person. (Professional Safety)” In addition, a different study bullying this year proved that bullying has severe health effects. The study showed that bullying leads to health issues including psychological distress and damage (Joan 2015). While strides are being taken to help make this problem disappear, …show more content…
“Passive victims are described as anxious, insecure, appearing to do nothing to provoke attacks, and appearing not to defend themselves. Provocative victims are described as hot-tempered, restless, and anxious, and ones who will attempt to retaliate when attacked (Knoff/Batsche 1994).” There is no real concrete evidence of what makes victims targeted but there are several stereotypes such as the ones described in Lee A. Beaty’s 2008 study. “Victims of bullying tend to be physically smaller, more sensitive, unhappy, cautious, anxious, quiet, and withdrawn than other children. Most victims of bullying can be termed "passive" or "submissive" victims. They are generally insecure and non-assertive, and react by withdrawing and crying when attacked by other students. In this sense, they are vulnerable to being victimized; bullies know these students will not retaliate (Beaty 2008).” Beaty makes a great point in that “Being bullied creates a vicious cycle. These students tend to feel badly about themselves which predisposes them to being bullied. This, in turn, makes them feel worse about themselves and thus vulnerable to even more victimization (Beaty …show more content…
First we must be alert and always aware of what is going on in the classroom. Also we must create a culture that completely renounces bullying in every aspect. Eleanor T. Migliore created a list of twenty ways to prevent bullying from occurring in the classroom in 2003. I will elaborate on the ways that I see best fitting today. “Lead a class discussion on bullying. Make certain that students understand what bullying is and why it is harmful. Have them write about their experiences and feelings, and include role-plays to clearly demonstrate what constitutes bullying (Migliore 2003).” This is one way to eliminate bullying and it is vital so that students can understand what bullying is and the dangers of it as well. Another way is to Teach social skills routinely through specific lessons and in conjunction with other activities throughout the day (Migliore 2003). While it is undoubtedly controversial to implement morals as a teacher, I feel that it is important not only to enhance your students knowledge but also to try to make your students better people. Support students who speak out about bullying or who seek extra adult help (Migliore 2003). Students often look down upon so called “snitches” or “tattletails” but everyone loves to be loved. Therefore in praising students for doing the right thing others will surely follow. Have a clear process to report bullying (Migliore 2003). This enable