Bullying:  Who Holds the REAL Power?

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What we will explore on this Reality Avenue show:

What is the Problem?

Bullying is term that is thrown around a lot today. It is interchangeable with so many others, but in the end you have – respect, non-violence, kindness, sense of community, strength and success at one end of the spectrum and hurt, pain, cruelty, violence, and prejudice at the other. Bullying is an intentional act to harm a person or group. Unlike teasing where the person stops what they’re doing when told it hurts, with bullying they continue. Oftentimes the person being targeted may be weaker (socially, physically) or more vulnerable. It can involve direct attacks or more subtle, indirect attacks. The three ways people bully are mentally (rumor spreading, gossip, excluding, cyber harassment), physically and verbally.

Fear does Respect.

True respect is when a person values and thinks positively of you, even when you are NOT there. How are you thought of when you leave the room?

Why should I care about Bullying?

When one of us is hurt, all of us are hurt.

The Damage is REAL and it Lasts

Targets: Bullying can lead teenagers to feel tense, anxious, depressed, isolated, insecure and afraid. It can begin to affect their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Adults who were bullied as teens have higher levels of depression, suicidal ideation and low self-esteem.

Bullies: Bullying is often a warning sign. Teens who bully are more likely to engage in other antisocial/delinquent behavior into adulthood. They are 4 times more likely than non-bullies to be convicted of crimes by age 24, with 60% having at least one criminal conviction.

Bystanders: Teens who witness bullying can feel guilty or helpless for not standing up to a bully on behalf of a classmate or friend – even late into life. They also feel unable to choose their own friends and have to be cautious out of fear of becoming a target themselves. Some deal with their guilt over inaction by blaming the victim, but in the end, it only serves to lower their sense of self-worth.

Who REALLY holds the power and what can we do?

The MAJORITY of us do not bully. Only 1 out of 10 is targeted and only 1 out of 10 bully on a regular basis. So 80% of us are bystanders.

Bystanders hold the POWER

We hold the power. To do nothing is to condone the violence – hurting ourselves and others. There is a way for each of us to help safely, no matter what our size and personality. Join us on REALITY AVENUE, “Bullying – Who REALLY Holds the Power?”, and see how you can make a difference. Meet William Sydnor, author and artist and find out how bullying affected his life and how he overcame these challenges to lead a happy and successful life. If you want more information on how to help yourself, your child, or someone you care about, watch the show and/or attend our upcoming workshop.

Also available for this Reality Avenue show:

CLASSROOM EXERCISES – Each and every show has FCAT and Sunshine State Standard classroom exercises created for teachers and counselors to use with their students. The exercises are divided into Elementary, Middle and High School. Some of the exercises are designed to create discussion; some are for small group dynamics or homework exercises, and others might best be suited for individual lesson plans. While all of the exercises ascertain whether the information being taught is being received, some are more abstract and reflective in nature. It is for the teacher to decide what is most appropriate for their needs and the needs of their students. To go to the Classroom Exercises webpage, CLICK HERE.

To view this show’s exercises as a download-able PDF, CLICK HERE.

RESOURCES and LINKS – Each show will have a Resource page for those wishing further assistance on the show topic. For further information/resources/links or to view the Resource webpage on this show CLICK HERE.