Kenneth Fishman

BSHS/ 325
Mrs. Kennedy
Bullying Report
September 29, 2014

Bullying Report:

What is bullying? Bullying is the act of aggressive and unwanted behavior

that involves intimidation and, or physically harming another person. Among
school age children from pre-k to 12th grade, bullying involves a power imbalance
of the stronger attacking the weaker. Children who are victims of bullying often
feel alone and powerless to change their situation. When a child is bullied he, or
she can feel isolated, and clinical depression and low self-confidence may develop.
On the other hand, children who are the bullies they get a high and enjoyment on
humiliating and hurting others it makes them feel better about themselves.

Bullying is an old concept, one that can be traced back to the sixteenth
century, if not earlier. Shakespeare has a character named, Pistol, hero-worshipping
his king, Henry V, with the words, I love the lovely ,bully, I kiss his dirty shoes.
Admiration still exist like the popularity of the butt-kicking stars, from World
Wrestling Entertainment. But without a doubt the word bully has changed the
meaning in more recent years, in response I believe that a growing intolerance
towards those who continually abuse their power. The term is now being used in a
different way. And more and more people are giving their attention to the problem
of how bullying can be reduced in the community at large, and especially in
schools, this is where we as educators should start teaching our students about
bullying and the effects of bullying. This problem must not get ignored any longer,
because we as teachers must stop this intolerable behavior, and also educate the
children parents about bullying as well. If a child is being bullied it will affect his

home life he or she will be more withdrawn from family communication due to
reprise of his or her bullies. So parents need to look for some signs of bullying
from their children. Maybe a parent can share stories from their past about being
bullied this can bring forth a open line of communication about their situation, and
then the child could learn how to handle the bully themselves.

There is a new way to bully and it is called Cyberbullying and handling this
type of bully can be tricky especially when the intimidation and humiliation and
insults occur online. Social media has become a platform for cruelty not seen in
generations past. Cyberbullying has become a popular way to attack other children
and the psychological damage to the victims can be devastating. Rumors are often
spread, and often believed when published online. According to a survey that took
place 81% of students believe that they can get away with online bullying because
it is easier to hide than a physical confrontation. Actually the opposite is true
because with online attacks, everything is recorded; there is proof of the abuse. The
playground has expanded with technology, but in no way reduces the incidents of
bullying on school grounds or on the bus. If you become aware of cyberbullying
do not retaliate or become directly involved. You should document the behavior by
printing everything and keeping a log, record all displays of abuse: this will prove
a pattern of cruel behavior whether it be rumors, name-calling, or sexually
inappropriate comments. Going to the authorities with documentation will help
identify the culprit and will be recorded for future consequences.

Another issue of bullying needs to be addressed is the gender and sexual

orientations of an individual rights to be who they are. People who bully
homosexuals or the transgendered are the worst kind of bullies. There is no reason
to attack a persons make up because they can not help the way they are because
their born that way. People who bully these type of people are afraid maybe they
see something in themselves when they encounter people who are homosexual.
There have been cases where bullies have killed these types of people, because of
fear of the unknown.

In conclusion we need to be more understanding of the different types of

bullying and put a stop to this inappropriate behavior within our community and
our public schools. It all goes back to this saying, ( Cant we all just get along).

References:

Farrington, D. Understanding and Preventing Bullying: Crime

and Justice,Vol.17,1993

Olweus, D. Bullying at School: What We Can Do About It:

Educational Psychology Review,Vol.19 2009

Tattum, D. and Tattum, E. Social Education and Personal

Development: London Times Weekly, issue,48,Nov.2011

Rigby, K. Bullying in Schools: Addressing Desires, Not Only

Behaviors: Educational Psychology Review, Vol. 24.2012