No Bullies Allowed

Category: Blogs

Big for Something: Melvin, Oregon

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Big for Something: Melvin, Oregon

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][image_with_animation image_url=”1466″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”15px” box_shadow=”medium_depth” max_width=”100%”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]As a child I was filled with wonder and excitement about all the things young kids usually are excited about in SE Texas. Football, winning on Friday nights and food after football games away from home.

Unfortunately, as a smart kid that looked athletic, but didn’t have a strong ambition toward athletic achievement, I was constantly disappointed by my peers, teachers and coaches.

“Big for Nothing” is what the coaches called me. And they were right. My father could jump out of a gym and my brother was a 3-year varsity fullback. My brother’s nickname in high school was “Big Young.” Unlike me, he was big for something. For a sensitive kid who had a heart for poetry, reading books and science projects for fun, I wasn’t necessarily the proto-typical chip of the old block of my well-known relatives. I was like a fragment eventually found somewhere over there. Where I am from is the self-proclaimed football capital of the world. Because I wasn’t the typical black youth of my day, my peers and unfortunately, my superiors often met me with the eye of speculation and ridicule. The unfortunate truth is I could give hundreds of stories about being bullied and its impact on me but there’s one in particular that stands out as a marker for when I knew that I needed to figure out a way to take control.

I was in the bathroom after recess my seventh-grade year. I was at the urinal when I heard footsteps behind me. The footsteps got closer. Then a whisper of something mumbled by the figure behind me. I turned my head as far as I could to see what or who was behind me when it happened. I was called a “Punk Bi$*h”, and then bam. I was struck with a fist to my jaw. I don’t know how I fell, but I do remember how I woke up. On the filthy floor of a middle school bathroom with my pants halfway down my legs and my private parts exposed laying in my own urine. Eventually by luck a good friend with impeccable timing found me and helped me up. I put myself together and went to class. I sat in class dizzy, probably concussed and definitely confused. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and incapable of communicating this pain. I had few resources to help navigate my emotions. I didn’t trust the teachers or counselors at the school to create a safe place, and I resented the students, the school and the town I was from.

It has been almost 30 years since that incident. I would have never guessed it then but turns out in the real world there is a market for a poetry lover who reads a lot and likes science and theater. There was no “Glee” in this generation. For me the use of these talents has led to a career in leadership. I have traveled the world and helped many along their path to success. I have received numerous awards for no other reason but for being “me.” I have been married for 18 years, have three children, two of which are close to the same age as I was when this horrible situation happened. I tell them the same thing I am going to tell you now.

There will be a time in your life when you will find yourself figuratively on the floor of a public bathroom with your paints down in your own urine. You will wake up, and for a moment not even know how you got there. You will eventually remember and if you are lucky, someone will be there to reach out a hand to help you up. Grab it. Don’t stop there. Use the incident to communicate and help the person hurting more than you. The bully, the person, the anything. The truth is I have found myself on that figurative floor several times since that day. The difference is I know now what I didn’t know then.

Bullying creates the wall that disallows you from seeing your solution as it is. The emotional pain takes the place of hope and replaces it with despair. The despair could eventually lead to many things that could destroy you. If you understand that people who hurt you are hurting, it’s much easier to get up.

Teachers bully, kids bully, teams bully. Even parents unknowingly bully their children separating them from a child’s ability to take the first step towards healing.

I was not “Big for Nothing.” My power wasn’t in my biceps, or height. It was in my mind and in my heart, which is the hardest for people in pain to see. I was ‘Big for Something.” Something I could have never known in the 7th grade. I am thankful for all the help along the way that allowed me to remove the wall of despair for a future of possibilities.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][nectar_btn size=”medium” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”extra-color-gradient-2″ icon_family=”default_arrow” url=”https://give.nobulliesallowed.org/general-donation/” text=”Make a Donation”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJmYi1jb21tZW50cyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGbm9idWxsaWVzYWxsb3dlZC5vcmclMkZibG9ncyUyRm1lbHZpbi1vcmVnb24lMkYlMjIlMjBkYXRhLXdpZHRoJTNEJTIyMTAwMCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbnVtcG9zdHMlM0QlMjI1MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

October 26, 2019
Warning Signs for Bullying
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”342″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Warning Signs for Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying — either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.

It is important to talk with children who show signs of being bullied or bullying others. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to the child can help identify the root of the problem.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Signs a Child Is Being Bullied

Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs.

Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:
- Unexplainable injuries
- Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
- Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
- Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
- Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
- Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
If you know someone in serious distress or danger, don’t ignore the problem. Get help right away.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Signs a Child is Bullying Others

Kids may be bullying others if they:
- Get into physical or verbal fights
- Have friends who bully others
- Are increasingly aggressive
- Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
- Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
- Blame others for their problems
- Don’t accept responsibility for their actions
- Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Why don’t kids ask for help?

Statistics from the 2012 Indicators of School Crime and Safety – PDF show that an adult was notified in less than half (40%) of bullying incidents. Kids don’t tell adults for many reasons:
- Bullying can make a child feel helpless. Kids may want to handle it on their own to feel in control again. They may fear being seen as weak or a tattletale.
- Kids may fear backlash from the kid who bullied them.
- Bullying can be a humiliating experience. Kids may not want adults to know what is being said about them, whether true or false. They may also fear that adults will judge them or punish them for being weak.
- Kids who are bullied may already feel socially isolated. They may feel like no one cares or could understand.
- Kids may fear being rejected by their peers. Friends can help protect kids from bullying, and kids can fear losing this support.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 20, 2019
Who Is at Risk
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”344″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Who Is at Risk

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]No single factor puts a child at risk of being bullied or bullying others. Bullying can happen anywhere—cities, suburbs, or rural towns. Depending on the environment, some groups—such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) youth, youth with disabilities, and socially isolated youth—may be at an increased risk of being bullied. [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Children at Risk of Being Bullied

Generally, children who are bullied have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider “cool”
- Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves
- Are depressed, anxious, or have low self esteem
- Are less popular than others and have few friends
- Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention
However, even if a child has these risk factors, it doesn’t mean that they will be bullied.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Children More Likely to Bully Others

There are two types of kids who are more likely to bully others:
- Some are well-connected to their peers, have social power, are overly concerned about their popularity, and like to dominate or be in charge of others.
- Others are more isolated from their peers and may be depressed or anxious, have low self esteem, be less involved in school, be easily pressured by peers, or not identify with the emotions or feelings of others.
Children who have these factors are also more likely to bully others;
- Are aggressive or easily frustrated
- Have less parental involvement or having issues at home
- Think badly of others
- Have difficulty following rules
- View violence in a positive way
- Have friends who bully others
Remember, those who bully others do not need to be stronger or bigger than those they bully. The power imbalance can come from a number of sources—popularity, strength, cognitive ability—and children who bully may have more than one of these characteristics.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 20, 2019
The Roles Kids Play in Bullying
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”346″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

The Roles Kids Play in Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]There are many roles that kids can play. Kids can bully others, they can be bullied, or they may witness bullying. When kids are involved in bullying, they often play more than one role. Sometimes kids may both be bullied and bully others or they may witness other kids being bullied. It is important to understand the multiple roles kids play in order to effectively prevent and respond to bullying[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Importance of Not Labeling Kids

When referring to a bullying situation, it is easy to call the kids who bully others “bullies” and those who are targeted “victims,” but this may have unintended consequences. When children are labeled as “bullies” or “victims” it may:
- Send the message that the child’s behavior cannot change
- Fail to recognize the multiple roles children might play in different bullying situations
- Disregard other factors contributing to the behavior such as peer influence or school climate
Instead of labeling the children involved, focus on the behavior. For instance:
- Instead of calling a child a “bully,” refer to them as “the child who bullied”
- Instead of calling a child a “victim,” refer to them as “the child who was bullied”
- Instead of calling a child a “bully/victim,” refer to them as “the child who was both bullied and bullied others.”
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Kids Involved in Bullying

The roles kids play in bullying are not limited to those who bully others and those who are bullied. Some researchers talk about the “circle of bullying” to define both those directly involved in bullying and those who actively or passively assist the behavior or defend against it. Direct roles include:
- Kids who Bully: These children engage in bullying behavior towards their peers. There are many risk factors that may contribute to the child’s involvement in the behavior. Often, these students require support to change their behavior and address any other challenges that may be influencing their behavior.
- Kids who are Bullied: These children are the targets of bullying behavior. Some factors put children at more risk of being bullied, but not all children with these characteristics will be bullied. Sometimes, these children may need help learning how to respond to bullying.
Even if a child is not directly involved in bullying, they may be contributing to the behavior. Witnessing the behavior may also affect the child, so it is important for them to learn what they should do when they see bullying happen. Roles kids play when they witness bullying include:
- Kids who Assist: These children may not start the bullying or lead in the bullying behavior, but serve as an “assistant” to children who are bullying. These children may encourage the bullying behavior and occasionally join in.
- Kids who Reinforce: These children are not directly involved in the bullying behavior but they give the bullying an audience. They will often laugh or provide support for the children who are engaging in bullying. This may encourage the bullying to continue.
- Outsiders: These children remain separate from the bullying situation. They neither reinforce the bullying behavior nor defend the child being bullied. Some may watch what is going on but do not provide feedback about the situation to show they are on anyone’s side. Even so, providing an audience may encourage the bullying behavior.
  - These kids often want to help, but don’t know how. Learn how to be “more than a bystander.”
- Kids who Defend: These children actively comfort the child being bullied and may come to the child’s defense when bullying occurs.
Most kids play more than one role in bullying over time. In some cases, they may be directly involved in bullying as the one bullying others or being bullied and in others they may witness bullying and play an assisting or defending role. Every situation is different. Some kids are both bullied and bully others. It is important to note the multiple roles kids play, because:
- Those who are both bullied and bully others may be at more risk for negative outcomes, such as depression or suicidal ideation.
- It highlights the need to engage all kids in prevention efforts, not just those who are known to be directly involved.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
What Is Bullying
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”348″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

What Is Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.

In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
- An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
- Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Types

There are three types of bullying:
- Verbal is saying or writing mean things. Verbal bullying includes:
  - Teasing
  - Name-calling
  - Inappropriate sexual comments
  - Taunting
  - Threatening to cause harm
- Social, sometimes referred to as relational, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:
  - Leaving someone out on purpose
  - Telling other children not to be friends with someone
  - Spreading rumors about someone
  - Embarrassing someone in public
- Physical involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes:
  - Hitting/kicking/pinching
  - Spitting
  - Tripping/pushing
  - Taking or breaking someone’s things
  - Making mean or rude hand gestures
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Where and When It Happens

It can occur during or after school hours. While most reported bullying happens in the school building, a significant percentage also happens in places like on the playground or the bus. It can also happen travelling to or from school, in the youth’s neighborhood, or on the Internet.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Frequency

There are two sources of federally collected data on youth bullying:
- The 2014–2015 School Crime Supplement – PDF (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics) indicates that, nationwide, about 21% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying.
- The 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that, nationwide, 20% of students in grades 9–12 report being bullied on school property in the 12 months preceding the survey.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
BPAA 2018 Fundraiser Recap

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

BPAA raises funds to fight back against bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”934″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”15px” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]The Bullying Prevention Association of America held an online fundraiser from September 19 – 22, 2018 to raise funds for the No Bullies Allowed Initiative. Contributors were asked to donate a minimum of $10 and earn the chance to win two (2) Houston Astros tickets for Sunday, September 23, 2018, the last home game of the 2018 regular season. With the help of Jay Matlock and the Houston Astros Nation☆ Facebook fan group, $1075 was raised.

The winning donor was selected at random, and tickets were awarded to Angel Thompson-Broussard. Angel watched the Astros beat the Angels (6 – 2) from two Crawford Box seats.

The No Bullies Allowed Initiative includes four campaigns that teach the value of hard work, personal resilience and teamwork through field-based learning, physical activities, and team sports.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwZGF0YS1vaW8tem9uZSUzRCUyMnR5cGUlM0RiYW5uZXIlMjZ6b25lJTNEMSUyNmFsaWduJTNEY2VudGVyJTI2cmVmcmVzaCUzRDAlMjIlM0UlMEElMjhmdW5jdGlvbiUyOHclMkNkJTJDZSUyQ28lMkN1JTJDcyUyQ3QlMjklN0J3JTVCbyU1RCU3QyU3QyUyOHclNUJvJTVEJTNEJTdCJTdEJTJDcyUzRGQuY3JlYXRlRWxlbWVudCUyOGUlMjklMkNzLnNyYyUzRHUlMkNzLmFzeW5jJTNEMSUyQyUwQXQlM0RkLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lJTI4ZSUyOSU1QjAlNUQlMkN0LnBhcmVudE5vZGUuaW5zZXJ0QmVmb3JlJTI4cyUyQ3QlMjklMjklN0QlMjklMjh3aW5kb3clMkNkb2N1bWVudCUyQyUwQSUyMnNjcmlwdCUyMiUyQyUyMm9pb3B1YiUyMiUyQyUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGbm9idWxsaWVzYWxsb3dlZC5vcmclMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGcGx1Z2lucyUyRm9pb3B1Yi1kaXJlY3QlMkZ6b25lcy5qcyUyMiUyOSUzQiUwQSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 24, 2018
A Mom’s Regret: Sharieka, Texas

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

A Mom’s Regret: Sharieka, Texas

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/WR3CCbyFVNw” el_width=”80″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md”][nectar_video_lightbox link_style=”play_button_2″ nectar_play_button_color=”Default-Accent-Color” image_url=”803″ hover_effect=”defaut” box_shadow=”small_depth” border_radius=”15px” play_button_size=”default” video_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR3CCbyFVNw”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]When Sharieka originally heard complaints from her 8-year-old son Darrell, she dismissed it. He complained about kids picking on him, but she felt he could handle it. She told him to defend himself and fight back. She told him to tell the teacher. She never imagined that it was affecting him both emotionally and physically.

When she realized it was a serious problem, she found little help from her son’s school. Sharieka decided to build her son’s confidence through physical activity and have real conversations about bullying with her children.

Hear her story and comment below. Let’s talk about it.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][nectar_btn size=”medium” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”extra-color-gradient-2″ icon_family=”default_arrow” url=”https://give.nobulliesallowed.org/general-donation/” text=”Make a Donation”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJmYi1jb21tZW50cyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGbm9idWxsaWVzYWxsb3dlZC5vcmclMkZibG9ncyUyRmEtbW9tcy1yZWdyZXQtc2hhcmlla2EtdGV4YXMlMkYlMjIlMjBkYXRhLXdpZHRoJTNEJTIyMTAwMCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbnVtcG9zdHMlM0QlMjI1MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]

September 18, 2018
Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”335″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Bullying and Youth with Disabilities & Special Health Needs

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Children with disabilities— such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities— are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors — physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments — may increase the risk. Research suggests that some children with disabilities may bully others as well.

Kids with special health needs, such as epilepsy or food allergies, also may be at higher risk of being bullied. Bullying can include making fun of kids because of their allergies or exposing them to the things they are allergic to. In these cases, bullying is not just serious, it can mean life or death.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Creating a Safe Environment for Youth with Disabilities

Special considerations are needed when addressing bullying in youth with disabilities. There are resources to help kids with disabilities who are bullied or who bully others. Youth with disabilities often have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans that can be useful in crafting specialized approaches for preventing and responding to bullying. These plans can provide additional services that may be necessary. Additionally, civil rights laws protect students with disabilities against harassment.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Creating a Safe Environment for Youth with Special Health Needs

Youth with special health needs — such as diabetes requiring insulin regulation, food allergies, or youth with epilepsy — may require accommodations at school. In these cases they do not require an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan. However, schools can protect students with special health needs from bullying and related dangers. If a child with special health needs has a medical reaction, teachers should address the medical situation first before responding to the bullying. Educating kids and teachers about students’ special health needs and the dangers associated with certain actions and exposures can help keep kids safe.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Federal Civil Rights Laws and Youth with Disabilities

When bullying is directed at a child because of his or her established disability and it creates a hostile environment at school, bullying behavior may cross the line and become “disability harassment.” Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the school must address the harassment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 20, 2018
Diversity, Race & Culture

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”338″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Diversity, Race & Culture

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Schools and communities that respect diversity can help protect children against bullying behavior. However, when children perceived as different are not in supportive environments, they may be at a higher risk of being bullied. When working with kids from different groups, there are specific things you can do to prevent and address bullying.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Race, Ethnicity, and National Origin

It is not clear how often kids get bullied because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin. It is also unclear how often kids of the same group bully each other. Research is still growing. We do know, however, that Black and Hispanic youth who are bullied are more likely to suffer academically than their white peers.

Although no specialized interventions have yet been developed or identified, some federal partners have developed campaign materials for specific racial and ethnic minority groups. For example, the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services has developed a series of materials for American Indian and Alaskan Native youth called “Stand Up, Stand Strong.”

When bullying based on race or ethnicity is severe, pervasive, or persistent it may be considered harassment, which is covered under federal civil rights laws.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Religion and Faith

Very little research has explored bullying based on religious differences. Bullying in these situations may have less to do with a person’s beliefs and more to do with misinformation or negative perceptions about how someone expresses that belief.

For example, Muslim girls who wear hijabs (head scarves), Sikh boys who wear patka or dastaar (turbans), and Jewish boys who wear yarmulkes report being targeted because of these visible symbols of their religions. These items are sometimes used as tools to bully Muslim, Sikh, and Jewish youth when they are forcefully removed by others. Several reports also indicate a rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh bullying over the past decade that may have roots in a perceived association of their religious heritage and terrorism.

When bullying based on religion is severe, pervasive, or persistent, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division may be able to intervene under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act.

Often religious harassment is not based on the religion itself but on shared ethnic characteristics. When harassment is based on shared ethnic characteristics, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights may be able to intervene under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 20, 2018
Effects of Bullying
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”340″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Effects of Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative effects including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. It is important to talk to kids to determine whether bullying—or something else—is a concern.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Kids Who are Bullied

Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:
- Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.
- Health complaints
- Decreased academic achievement—GPA and standardized test scores—and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
A very small number of bullied children might retaliate through extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Kids Who Bully Others

Kids who bully others can also engage in violent and other risky behaviors into adulthood. Kids who bully are more likely to:
- Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults
- Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school
- Engage in early sexual activity
- Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults
- Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults
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Bystanders

Kids who witness bullying are more likely to:
- Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
- Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Miss or skip school
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The Relationship between Bullying and Suicide

Media reports often link bullying with suicide. However, most youth who are bullied do not have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal behaviors.

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Additionally, specific groups have an increased risk of suicide, including American Indian and Alaskan Native, Asian American, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. This risk can be increased further when these kids are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 20, 2018