This document discusses bullying prevention. It defines bullying as intentionally committing repeated acts over time that cause physical or psychological harm, where there is an imbalance of power between the bully and victim. It notes bullying requires intimidation, occurring repeatedly and over time, with a power imbalance. Examples of power imbalances include popularity, athletics, socioeconomic status, and academic achievement. While some acts like mean comments may not meet all bullying criteria, they are still considered bullying behaviors. The document encourages students to consider if actions or words are unwanted by the target, and to think before speaking to avoid hurtful language or jokes. It promotes being kind, helpful, and empathetic towards others.

1. BULLYING PREVENTION…
Character Education Lesson #2: September 2016

2. DRSL’S:
 What:What isYOUR part in the prevention of bullying?
 Why: Responsible Citizen, Problem Solving, CriticalThinking, Communication

3. WHAT EXACTLY IS BULLYING?
 Intentionally committing an act for the purpose of placing another person in fear
of physical harm or harm to the property of the person.
 Let’s break the language down:
 Intentionally – purposely, knowingly
 Committing an act – can be verbally or physically or psychologically
 Physical harm – pushing, blocking, tripping, hitting, etc.
 Harm to property – a person’s personal belongings (phone, books, bike, locker,
etc)

4. PHYSICAL AND/OR PSYCHOLOGICAL
INTIMIDATION…
 To be considered bullying, these three things must be present:
 1.The intimidation occurs repeatedly
 2. It occurs over time
 3. It includes having a power imbalance between the bully and victim.
 This imbalance may seem easy to spot.
We usually think of size…
the bigger person bullying a smaller person, but that is
not always the case!

5. IMBALANCE OF POWER…
 For example:
 A “popular” student bullying a less popular student
 An athletic student bullying a non-athletic student
 A student of higher socio-economic status bullying a student of lower socio-economic status
 A high achieving student bullying a lower achieving student
 Etc, etc, etc!
 Treat everyone with respect. No one is superior over another.

6. BULLYING BEHAVIORS…
 Be aware that things may not be considered “bullying” because they don’t include
all of the components of repeated intimidation, ongoing over time, and an
imbalance of power. However, they are still considered bullying behaviors and will
not be tolerated!
 It may be a one time incident such as mean comments, mocking, teasing,
gossiping, sexual harassment, etc.

7. BULLYING BEHAVIORS…
 Here’s an example of bullying behavior:
 This is a true story about an amazing local student in Ogden. Mrs. Roane was
looking on Facebook one day and came across this post that one of her friends
had reposted on Facebook. She was deeply saddened, but also impressed by this
young lady’s short story, and asked the girl for permission to use her post with all
of you.

9. BULLYING BEHAVIORS…
 This was the first week of school for this girl.There is a sad story behind the scars on her
face.Whether there is a reason or not for how she looks, there was absolutely no reason
for those girls to make comments about her, and such mean comments. Luckily, she is
mature enough to respond the way she did! She turned it around and actually made it
about the other girl instead of herself. She is truly a remarkable young lady and an
inspiration to others around her…. And I’m lucky to have her as a new friend 
 How would you feel if someone said something like that to you?
 Do you think the girl who said that to her got in trouble or had a consequence?
 What would you have done if you heard her say this?
 Did this verbal act have the 3 components in the definition of bullying?

10. BULLYING BEHAVIORS…
 By definition, it is not considered bullying (unless it was repeated and continued to
happen over time). However, hopefully you understand why this verbal act is considered
bullying behavior:
 1.The girl said these words to intentionally hurt or intimidate her.
 2.There was likely an imbalance of power.
 3.The girl who made the mean comments most likely does not
have scars on her face.
 4.Words like this are rude and disrespectful.
We all know it’s not okay to talk to others this way.
It was inappropriate and hurtful.

11. ASKYOURSELF… IS IT WANTED?
 A good way to consider if you are engaging in bullying behaviors is to ask yourself… is
what I’m doing or saying to a person unwanted by them?
 Sometimes you may think you are just being “playful” or “just joking” around. If you are
joking in a mean way or crossing the line with inappropriate words or jokes, it’s likely that
it is unwanted.
 Remember… bullying is a safe school violation. Don’t be part of bullying or bullying
behaviors.
 This can include: Racialor inappropriatejokes Excluding someone
Laughing at Spreading Rumors Sexual harassment Mocking
Belittling Swearing or using inappropriate language throwing objects or paper
Doing something to purposely make another uncomfortable

12. BE CONSCIENTIOUS
 Remember to practice toTHINK before you SPEAK.
 Words can cut! Choose your words wisely.
 Be empathetic.You don’t know what others are going through.
 Learn from stories like this!
 Take my new friend’s advice:
 “Be kind to people. It’s not difficult. Sit by people when
they’re alone, give out compliments, smile in the hallways, help peers pick up
dropped books, hold the door open. I promise that your life will get better.”