1. School
Bullying
Toward Better Mitigation & Response
By Tabatha Premlall
Internship Program 2016
Intertel Investigations

2. So what is “Bullying”?
 Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically.
 Attempting to physically or mentally intimidate others.
 Spreading bad rumors about people.
 Keeping certain people out of a group.
 Teasing people in a mean way.
 Getting certain people to “gang up” on others.

3. What is “Cyber
Bullying”?
Definition: “Bullying on-line or electronically, using the Internet, mobile
phones, or other technology. This includes: Sending mean text, e-
mail, or instant messages.”
 Posting nasty pictures or messages about others on blog sites; My
Space / Face Book
 Using someone else’s user name to spread rumors or lies about
someone.

4. Do you bully others?
 Shoved, punched, or pushed someone in a mean way just because
you felt like it?
 Had someone else hurt someone you don’t like?
 Spread a nasty rumor about someone?
 You and your friends have kept someone from playing with you?
 Teased people in a mean way, calling them names, making fun of
the way they look or dress?
 Been part of a group that did these things?
 Mentally or physically intimidated others?

5. Effects of bullying
 15-25% of students are bullied.
 15-20% of students bully others.
 Students who bully are more likely to skip school, drop out, abuse
alcohol and drugs, and get into trouble with the law.
 Some students who are bullied, skip school and are afraid to
come to school.

6. Do adults engage in bullying
behavior?
 Employers ignore workplace bullying because they can.
 37% of the total work force has been bullied at some point in their career.
 Workplace bullying includes:
• Incivility
• Persistently criticizing work, mistakes, spreading gossip, exclusion,
insulting habits, attitudes, private life
• Interpersonal conflict
 The office bully is often the boss.

7. Myths about bullying!
 Bullies have low self esteem.
 Bullies are rejected by peers and have no friends.
 Being a victim builds character.
 Being a victim will yield a violent teen.
 Bullying affects only the bully and the victim.

8. Facts about bullying
 Bullying is as pervasive among adults as children.
 There is a “victim profile”.
 Can be predicted.
 Increases with age.
 Bullies are viewed as “cool” by peers.
 Bullies are generally larger, stronger than their victims.
 Bullying education program don’t work.
 Zero tolerance doesn’t work.

9. What you can do
 Always tell an adult.
 Stay in a group.
 If it feels safe, try to stand up to the person who is bullying you (YELL
“LEAVE ME ALONE”).
 If you are being bullied online, DO NOT REPLY.
 Join clubs or take part in activities to meet new kids.

10. Fighting Back
 Is not politically correct.
 Can lead to injury.
 Can result in disciplinary action.
 Can often be successful.
 Can help self esteem.
 Is often based on the moral values of the parent.
 Explain to the parent/student that sometimes you have to pay a price
for what you personally believe is ethical behavior.

11. What causes bullying
behavior?
 Natural need to establish a “pecking” order.
 To control the environment.
 To establish group dominance.
 To conform to group norms.
 It’s fun to be dominant in the group.
 MICE

12. Primary Human
Motivators
 Money
 Ideology
 Conscience
 Ego

13. Why do kids support the
bully?
 To fit in and conform with group behavior.
 Fear of retribution by the bully or group.
 It boosts self esteem not to be the lowest in the food chain.
 Relief that that they are not the victim.
 Ethical/moral behavior such as justice, absolute right/wrong and the
need to defend the weak/innocent is no longer stressed and taught.
 Ask kids who their heroes are; You will be surprised.

14. What is the victim profile?
 Pleasers
 Compliant
 Avoidant
 Afraid of confrontation
 Very Sensitive
 Socially Isolated / Socially awkward
 Shy and Quiet
 Language Problem
 Depressed

15. The response continuum...Donothing
Tellsomeone
Respondverbally
Flee
RespondPhysically
Questions the interventionist should ask and observe:
• In what context did the bullying take place?
• Were the victim’s social skills appropriate to the situation?
• What was the apparent motivation of the bully?

16. What can parents do?
 Model assertive behavior.
 Constantly provide verbal and non verbal signals it is OK for
the child to defend themselves and their body space.
 Teach kids to be good reporters of what happens to
themselves and others.
 Teach appropriate social behavior.

17. DON’T:
 Think it is your fault
 Keep it to yourself
 Skip school or avoid activities because of fear
 Think you are a “nark” or “tattle tale”
DO:
 Tell an adult
 The right thing

18. Are you a bystander?
If you see or hear someone getting bullied:
 Report the bullying to an adult.
 Support the person who is being bullied.
 Stand up to the person who is bullying.
(If you feel safe or just tell an adult)

19. Do you bully others?
 Think about how it affects others.
 Put yourself in their shoes.
 Imagine about how it must make them feel.
 It should never make you feel good.

20. For More Information
087 550 7456
076 165 1118
help@Intertel.co.za