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October - Bullying Prevention Month and Freedom from Bullies Week 16-22 OCT 2016

Bullying knows no limits - it is a sad hostile occurrence where one human actively works to inflict physical and/or psychological harm on another human being. This purposeful and deliberate trauma often knows no bounds.

Every person can be the target of bullying but some persons and groups are often targeted more and are also more vulnerable due to age, physical or cognitive abilities.

Children, persons with disabilities, elderly, someone who is from a minority group or "different" in ways from the group is often targeted by a bully.

Note however, that adult bullying in the workplace can occur for other reasons. Unfortunately though, unless the person who is bullied is from a "protected class", they often have limited protected and recourse. The groups protected from the employment discrimination by law include men and women on the basis of sex; any group which shares a common race, religion, color, or national origin; people over 40; and people with physical or mental handicaps. (www.eeoc.gov) 

_{Adult Bullying is a systematic campaign of interpersonal destruction that jeopardizes a person's health, their career, and their job they love. Bullying is a non-physical, non-homicidal form of violence. Because it is abusive it causes both emotional and stress-related physical harm. Freedom from Bullies Week is a chance to break through the shame and silence surrounding bullying. It is a week to be daring and bold.The power of workplace bullying is its ability to stay hidden in plain view. Make every workplace safe and take a stand against workplace bullying! No matter the role, anyone can help stop workplace bullying. See what you can do.}

Please check out   The Workplace Bullying Institute and  Article on "Why Do People Bully"

Children and Bullying - Studies have shown a positive parental relationship can help prevent bullying. SAMHSA has a free KnowBullying app to download to help with parent-child conversation starters, tips, warning signs and a section for educators. 

Stop Bullying Blog Resources

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 helplearning 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 alsoaffect 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

Stop Bullying Blog Resources