NCJ Number
206384
Date Published
July 2003
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This set of videos on bullying is designed to the specific behaviors and developmental phases of the two predominant age groups in school, grades K through 5 and grades 6 through 12.
Abstract
Research shows that countless acts of serious violence in schools have their seeds or roots in bullying. For so many children, bullying is a very serious and frightening reality. A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly, and over time, to negative and abusive actions. This set of videotapes, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention discusses bullying for kindergarten through elementary and middle through high school students. Each video discusses bullying in the same manner and format. However, the cover footage and testimonials in each video are different. Each video provides facts about bullying while watching age appropriate students in age appropriate real bullying situations. The actions of bullying are discussed and broken down into three categories: physical, verbal, and relational. When children reach middle school, physical bullying becomes more violent and more sexually oriented. Gender differences are identified in the act of bullying, where girls use more indirect methods, such as spreading rumors and socially isolating others. They use more relational bullying. Victims of bullying often experience significant long-term effects, such as fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Studies show that victims are often timid, anxious, socially isolated and in many cases have overprotective parents. Bystanders are those that witness bullying and aren’t directly involved. Bystanders are many times the secret weapons in the battle against bullying. The act of bullying requires adult intervention. Several recommendations and suggestions are presented from both professionals and parents. To help care for a bully or victims, several techniques are recommended for parents and include: (1) talking to your child; (2) listening to your child; (3) being a positive role model; (4) spending more time with your child; (5) setting limits; (6) cooperating with the school; and (7) seeking support. Included with the videos is a viewing guide, one for both videos and a curriculum of materials which explains the design of both the videos; and the curriculum materials, why bullying is a focus for today, an overview of the bully, victim, and bystander, specific gender issues, bullying in the community and workplace, and handouts and resources.