How can bullying be discouraged among teens?
Do now: Define bullying and give an example of bullying you have seen.
Discuss answers to do now. Does bullying happen in our school? Give examples.
Bullying- a way to exert power by deliberately hurting another person. It can be physical, verbal or emotional. Examples include name calling, harassing, cornering, terrorizing, threatening, teasing, blackmailing, humiliating, gossiping, rejecting, isolating, ignoring, hitting, kicking, punching.
On a piece of paper, write down one bullying incident that you either witnessed, participated in, caused or were a victim of. Do not write your name on the paper or use any names in the description.
Collect the papers and read a few examples.
Is bullying limited to just guys? Why or why not?
Bullying is not limited to just guys. Girls who bully typically will gossip, tease or isolate others. Girls can also be physically hurtful towards others.
Is bullying limited to just kids or teens? Why or why not?
Even adults bully. They often use put-downs, intimidation, sarcasm and humiliation. Many times this happens in the workplace.
Worksheet: John and the Bully. Have students volunteer to read out loud with the class.
How do you think John feels? Allow students to share their answers.
He may feel humiliated, harassed and alone. Reactions to bullying can range from being depressed and withdrawn to wanting to fight back and become extremely violent.
What should John do? Allow students to share their answers.
It is important that targets of bullies to not fight back. They need to get out of the situation and can then tell a parent, school official.
What would be the negative consequences if John were to fight back? Allow students to share their answers.
He may get hurt, suspended, etc.
What is the role of bystanders who witness bullying? Allow students to answer.
Bystanders should get the target out of the bullying and report the situation. Don’t encourage the bully.
How do you think the bullying John experienced in high school will affect him as an adult?
People like John, who were bullied as children or teens, carry their experiences with them into adulthood. Some people experience long-term emotional and physical health problems. Others may be withdrawn and have difficulty making friends.
What is likely to happen to Derek as an adult if he continues to bully?
Studies have shown that people who bully are more likely to become involved in self-destructive behaviors (alcohol, tobacco or drug use, fighting), carry a weapon, cheat on tests, steal, be involved in vandalism, skip school, have problems with the police, become depressed. These problems often follow bullies into adulthood.
One form of bullying is called “hazing”
Hazing- any humiliating or dangerous activity expected in order to join a group. When people haze they exert power over others. Those being hazed agree because they want to be part of the group.
Worksheet: Read True Life Hazing stories. Have volunteers read out loud.
After each story, ask students to share how they think the person felt after being hazed.
Which of the hazing incidents were illegal?
In most states, all of these examples of hazing would be illegal. In addition, laws governing assault and alcohol consumption would apply in all states.
Why do you think people would agree to being hazed? Some people want to be a part of a group so badly they are willing to do almost anything.
People do not realize they are being hazed, especially if the group says they do not haze new members.
Some members may think they are the only ones who don’t agree with the hazing activities.
They don’t know where or how to get help.
If hazing is illegal, hurtful and dangerous, why do groups continue to do it?
People who’ve been hazed often feel they have the right to haze others. Members are reluctant to go against the tradition and power of the group and report the hazing. Some people consider hazing a tradition and mistakenly believe it’s harmless fun.
Most people agree that initiation activities can be positive experiences and bring a group closer together. The challenge is to make initiations fun, safe and a positive experience for all involved.