- Understand how evidence regarding behavioral patterns might challenge personal beliefs and assumptions about social behavior
- Use evidence about bullying behavior to inform daily decisions regarding social interactions and understand the necessity of making personal decisions in bullying situations
- Use factual information to consider consequences and alternatives of personal behavior choices
Even students who have experienced bullying might be surprised by the statistics and studies about bullying. It's important for adults, student leaders and other educators to raise awareness about the prevalence of bullying and its detrimental effects for all involved.
The frequency with which students admit to bullying might surprise students who feel alone and isolated due to the wrath of a bully.
It is important, likewise, for students who are victims and bystanders to seek help when this kind of behavior emerges.
A common trait among bullies is lack of empathy, the inability to be aware of or understand other people's feelings. When a bully attacks a victim, the bully feels powerful and in control. He or she may blame the victim, justifying his or her aggression by saying the victim deserved bad treatment or asked for it. While it may not be possible to teach empathy, raising awareness about bullying has helped schools decrease the behavior.
Use the following quiz to mobilize young people and adults who work with them so an anti-bullying initiative can come together in your community.
- Ask students how they would define bullying, and write definitions or words on the board addressing the different kinds of bullying (violence, exclusivity and ostracism, rumors, etc.).
- Ask students to complete the quiz (PDF) individually.
- Involve students in the follow-up discussion, using questions (PDF) for reflection.