Not All Meanness and Cruelty is Bullying

www.StandUpToBullying.net by Danah Boyd -- The Wall Street Journal Bullying is a serious issue. Cries to do something—anything—have triggered new legislation, school assemblies, and pressure to punish those who hurt others. The tenor of the discussion is one of grave concern mixed with moral panic. As difficult as it is to step back and gain perspective, we must do so in order to actually address the problem. As researchers, we have found that misunderstandings undermine interventions.  With this in mind, we would like to offer five aspects of bullying that must be broadly understood in order to move from awareness to action. 1. “Bullies” usually aren’t the source of the problem: They’re often a symptom of the problem. Many bullies have difficulties at home or in school, and need just as much help as those who are targets of and bystanders to bullying. Bullies are often victims in other contexts who are lashing out. 2. Not all meanness and cruelty is bullying: Bullying refers to repeated psychological, social and physical aggression propagated by those who are more physically or socially powerful. Addressing the role of power is critical to combating bullying. Different strategies are needed to curb other types of meanness and cruelty, but it’s also important not to overreact.  Some forms of teasing, pranking and drama are perfectly healthy, even if they look troublesome from the outside. 3. “Cyberbullying” has become an unnecessary distraction: Students consistently report that school bullying is still more common—and that it has a greater negative impact—than what happens online. Most bullying is relatively invisible to adults, but online traces make many forms of meanness and cruelty, including cyberbullying, especially visible. Thus, adults focus on the technology.  Certain types of negativity do flourish online, but the Internet typically mirrors and magnifies existing dynamics. Rather than being something to blame,technology should be leveraged in order to identify those who are struggling. 4. When a child has been hurt, people want someone—or something—to blame, but rushing to prosecute purported bullies only undermines society’s ability to curb bullying. Teen suicides should prompt us to act. But enacting flawed legislation in memory or prosecuting teens’ peers shifts the onus of responsibility away from society onto individuals. Teen suicides can rarely be explained by the actions of one person. All too often, mental-health issues, struggles to fit in, parental pressure and a culture of intolerance create a deadly combination.Rather than looking for people to blame, it’s important to look for root causes and work to address those. The blame game does little to stop the cycle of violence. 5. Most anti-bullying assemblies are ineffective, and the messages of well-meaning advocates tend to fall on deaf ears. Teens don’t recognize most of the meanness and cruelty they witness or experience as bullying; they see it as drama, teasing or pranking. Students do recognize certain serious encounters as bullying, but they often lack the social, structural and educational infrastructure to make a difference.  Punitive approaches (including “zero tolerance” school policies) appear reasonable but are consistently ineffective at addressing the core issue.  Likewise, “tell a trusted adult” seems like a good idea, but when adults have no training in dealing with these issues, they often make things worse. There are effective programs for addressing the underlying issues; they require social-emotional learning and empathy development. Yet, putting these in place requires serious commitment in terms of money, time and community involvement.  If we want to change the ecosystem, we need to invest in these long-term solutions. There’s no doubt that bullying does serious harm, both to those who are victimized as well as to perpetrators and bystanders. Combating bullying—alongside other forms of aggression and violence—should be a social priority. But bullying is not just a youth problem. If we want to help young people, we need to put an end to adult meanness and cruelty and take responsibility for how we perpetuate problematic values and intolerance. We cannot expect youth to treat each other kindly when we accept politicians berating each other for sport, parents talking behind their neighbors’ backs, and reality TV stars becoming famous for treating each other horribly. If we want to create a kinder, braver world, we must collectively work to develop compassion, empathy and respect. Dr. Boyd is a research fellow at the Born This Way Foundation, a senior researcher at Microsoft Research and a research assistant professor at New York University. Schedule 2012 - 2013 Bullying Prevention Workshops  info@StandUpToBullying.net 802-362-5448 Mike Dreiblatt is an outstanding national speaker and author who provides dynamic, practical seminars and workshops to students, school staff, administrators, parents and community members.     Using humor and practical strategies, Mike teaches best practices and realistic strategies that can be used immediately. A former teacher, Mike is an expert in bullying and violence prevention, character education, and discipline of students with special needs. See Mike In Action!!! Definition of Bullying Physical Bullying Verbal Bullying Elementary School Types of Bullying High School Types of Bullying Forgive Yourself Bystanders--The Crowd Bystander Responsibilities Ways to Stop Bullying Longer Middle School Presentation Assertive Communication Techniques for Staff                                                                                                                                $36.95 (includes S/H)  Lessons and Activities That Teach Empathy, Friendship and Respect Fax POs to 1-802-549-5024 Balance Educational Services 136 Clover Lane Manchester Center, Vt 05255 Click Here to Purchase Mike's book, How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression, has been recognized as a practical resource to teach and reinforce character development and pro-social behavior. Teasing vs. Taunting How to Respond to a Verbal Bully Book Reviews "This timely book includes perfectly sequenced, content-enriched, practical lessons that will enhance any anti-bullying effort. The student-focused activities will facilitate and maintain learning of important anti-bullying concepts that can never be overemphasized." —Allan L. Beane, Author of The Bully Free Classroom "A practical book packed with the kinds of anti-bullying strategies that teachers, coaches, therapists, and kids regularly request. Every chapter is packed with tips on how to stay physically and emotionally safe when bullying occurs, and children are coached to practice assertive behaviors and avoid the victim role." —Cheryl Dellasega, Author of Mean Girls Grown Up info@StandUpToBullying.net

Anti-Bullying Video Produced By Texas' Cypress Ranch High School Goes Viral (WATCH)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/04/anti-bullying-video-texas-cypress-ranch-high-school-_n_1402716.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=1367583,b=facebook

Stand Up, Stand Strong, Stand Together

Students, Staff and Parents Bullying Prevention Workshops 802-362-5448 StandUpToBullying.net   info@StandUpToBullying.net Mike Dreiblatt is an outstanding national speaker and author who provides dynamic, practical seminars and workshops to students, school staff, administrators, parents and community members.     Using humor and practical strategies, Mike teaches best practices and realistic strategies that can be used immediately. A former teacher, Mike is an expert in bullying and violence prevention, character education, and discipline of students with special needs. See Mike In Action!!! Definition of Bullying Physical Bullying Verbal Bullying Elementary School Types of Bullying High School Types of Bullying Forgive Yourself Bystanders--The Crowd Bystander Responsibilities Ways to Stop Bullying Longer Middle School Presentation Assertive Communication Techniques for Staff                                                                                                                                  $36.95 (includes S/H)  Lessons and Activities That Teach Empathy, Friendship and Respect Fax POs to 1-802-549-5024 Balance Educational Services 136 Clover Lane Manchester Center, Vt 05255 Click Here to Purchase Mike's book, How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression, has been recognized as a practical resource to teach and reinforce character development and pro-social behavior. Teasing vs. Taunting How to Respond to a Verbal Bully Book Reviews "This timely book includes perfectly sequenced, content-enriched, practical lessons that will enhance any anti-bullying effort. The student-focused activities will facilitate and maintain learning of important anti-bullying concepts that can never be overemphasized." —Allan L. Beane, Author of The Bully Free Classroom "A practical book packed with the kinds of anti-bullying strategies that teachers, coaches, therapists, and kids regularly request. Every chapter is packed with tips on how to stay physically and emotionally safe when bullying occurs, and children are coached to practice assertive behaviors and avoid the victim role." —Cheryl Dellasega, Author of Mean Girls Grown Up

Teens With Autism Preoccupied With TV, Video Games: Study

HealthDay – 15 hours ago

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TUESDAY, Feb. 14 (HealthDay News) -- When given the opportunity to have screen time, children with autism spectrum disorders typically choose television and video games over social interactive media, such as email, a new study finds .

The preoccupation with video games could interfere with the children's socialization and learning, warned the researchers, whose study appears online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems with social interaction, communication and restricted interests and behaviors. Autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs, include Asperger syndrome, which is a milder form of autism.

In conducting the study, the researchers analyzed information on more than 1,000 teens in special education classes, including those with autism spectrum disorders, learning and intellectual disabilities, and speech problems.

About 60 percent of the teens with autism spectrum disorders spent most of their time watching TV or videos, the investigators found.

"This rate appears to be high, given that among typically developing adolescents, only 28 percent have been shown to be 'high users' of television," Paul Shattuck, an assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, said in a university news release. "Television viewing is clearly a preferred activity for children with ASDs, regardless of symptoms, functional level or family status."

Moreover, 41 percent of the teens with autism spent most of their free time playing video games, the study authors found.

"Given that only 18 percent of youths in the general population are considered to be high users of video games, it seems reasonable to infer based on the current results, that kids with ASDs are at significantly greater risk of high use of this media than are youths without ASDs," Shattuck added.

In contrast, the teens with autism spectrum disorders were less likely to use email or social media.

"We found that 64.4 percent of youth with ASDs did not use email or chat at all," Shattuck said. "Kids with speech and language impairments and learning disabilities were about two times more likely to use email or chat rooms than those with ASDs."

He noted, however, use of social media increased among the teens with autism spectrum disorders as they got older and their cognitive skills improved. Cognitive is a word used to describe brain-based functions such as memory, thinking, learning and processing information.

"This proclivity for screen time might be turned into something we can take advantage of to enhance social skills and learning achievement, especially [with] recent innovations in devices like iPads," Shattuck suggested.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides more information onautism.

No Name-Calling Week

Having trouble viewing this email? Please click here Forward to a Friend Unsubscribe To ensure delivery, please add mike@balanceeducation.net to your address book. www.BalanceEducationalServices.com The Leader in Bullying Prevention No Name-Calling Week No Name-Calling Week was inspired by a young adult novel entitled "The Misfits" by popular author, James Howe. The book tells the story of four best friends trying to survive the seventh grade in the face of all too frequent taunts based on their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. Motivated by the inequities they see around them, the "Gang of Five" (as they are known) creates a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. The No-Name Party in the end, wins the support of the school's principal for their cause and their idea for a "No Name-Calling Day" at school. Motivated by this simple, yet powerful, idea, the No Name-Calling Week Coalition created by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster Children's publishing, consisting of over 40 national partner organizations, organized an actual No Name-Calling Week in schools across the nation. The project seeks to focus national attention on the problem of name-calling in schools, and to provide students and educators with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate name-calling in their communities. 1. What is No Name-Calling Week? No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities. 2. Who should participate? Anyone who wants to work towards eliminating harmful name-calling, harassment and bullying in their school can be a part of No Name-Calling Week, whether you are a teacher, student, guidance counselor, coach, librarian or bus driver. The curricular materials on this web site and in the Resource Kit are primarily aimed at middle school students, specifically grades 5-8, but may be modified for older or younger students. Feel free to download materials off this web site, or order the Resource Kit and create your own No Name-Calling Week initiative in your community. 3. How do I order a kit, how much is it, and how long will it take to get it? You can order your kit by clicking here and filling out the order form. The resource kit is $129.95, and will arrive at your door within 3-7 business days from the time you place your order. Expedited shipping service is available upon request. 4. What are some things I can do to promote No Name-Calling Week in my school right now? Click here to plan your No Name-Calling Week. When Was The Last Time Your Staff Had Bullying Prevention Training??? Every morning there are students who dread the approaching school day. Bullying prevention and anti-bullying training are critical in creating an environment conducive to learning. By adopting proven bullying prevention techniques and anti-bullying strategies teachers, staff, and bus drivers can all become active participants in bullying prevention. Make a commitment at your school to stop bullying and begin the process of preventing bullying before it begins. · Research shows that victims of prolonged bullying will eventually become withdrawn or aggressive; in extreme cases, suicidal or violently retaliative. · Research shows that schools with unified violence prevention program cut their incidents of violence up to 50% and increase their academic standing. Mike Dreiblatt provides specific and helpful information on all types of bullying prevention to students, teachers, and parents. His "Stop Bullying" workshops and presentations encourage audience participation through activities and role-playing. Learn how to STOP BULLYING today! Mike@BalanceEducationalServices.com Mike Dreiblatt is the co-founder of Balance Educational Services, LLC, and an outstanding national speaker and author. Mike provides dynamic, practical seminars and workshops to whole school communities: students, school staff, administrators, parents and community members. Using humor and practical strategies, Mike teaches best practices and realistic strategies that can be used immediately. A former teacher, Mike is an expert in bullying and violence prevention, character education, and discipline of students with special needs. See Mike In Action!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/MDreiblatt?feature=mhee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLeiU6jasZQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukCyLeQduzo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7AZIooa1fM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LOuhFazEe8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC9O1j13IJM Is Your Staff Really Prepared??? Testimonials I like that your program is research-based, it fits perfectly with our curriculum goals. Your examples were right on especially in regard to cyber bullying. Christian Educator CO Great! Mike was easily understood and clear in his objectives. Very articulate, clear, concise & knowledgeable. Examples were current and perfect for the school setting. High School Principal GA I loved the pace of this seminar – fast & funny. I also loved the role-plays and how you made all of the information come to life. Middle School Principal MA Thank you so much for the excellent presentation yesterday. I have been to endless seminars, and unfortunately it is rare that I have come away with so much practical information, and food for thought. Middle School Teacher NJ So much information packed into so little time! Great use of our professional development time and dollars. Assistant Superintendent OH The best seminar I’ve been to in years. Full of real-life detail and practical information that I will take back and use right away. High School Teacher VT Bullying Prevention Workshops Call Now: 802-362-5448 $36.95 (includes S/H) Lessons and Activities That Teach Empathy, Friendship and Respect Fax POs to 1-802-549-5024 Balance Educational Services 136 Clover Lane Manchester Center, Vt 05255 Click Here to Purchase Mike's book, How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression, has been recognized as a practical resource to teach and reinforce character development and pro-social behavior. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ8gNzZwxA0&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yk9cq4vI9g This user-friendly resource provides K–8 teachers, school administrators, and counselors with fun, interactive lessons and activities that support students' safety and well-being, promote healthy social-emotional development, and improve academic achievement. Using role plays and sample scripts that can be adapted to specific situations, the authors illustrate how to teach critical concepts and behaviors, including how to stand up to a bully and how to stop another student from bullying. In clear, jargon-free language, this research-based book helps school districts meet the curriculum requirements of recently enacted bullying laws by fostering positive youth development around issues of respect, conflict resolution, and interpersonal relationships. Readers will also find: · Sidebars and icons that highlight important information · A supply list of commonly found classroom items within each lesson for quick and easy implementation · Illustrations and unit tests for students' review · Suggestions for enhancing lessons ​ How to Stop Bullying and Social Aggression helps educators engage bullies, victims, and bystanders at their own level and teach healthy behaviors to create safe, healthy schools. Book Reviews "This timely book includes perfectly sequenced, content-enriched, practical lessons that will enhance any anti-bullying effort. The student-focused activities will facilitate and maintain learning of important anti-bullying concepts that can never be overemphasized." —Allan L. Beane, Author of The Bully Free Classroom "A practical book packed with the kinds of anti-bullying strategies that teachers, coaches, therapists, and kids regularly request. Every chapter is packed with tips on how to stay physically and emotionally safe when bullying occurs, and children are coached to practice assertive behaviors and avoid the victim role." —Cheryl Dellasega, Author of Mean Girls Grown Up

Bullying Changes a School, One Child at a Time

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The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College and The Short List: Grad School to find data that matters to you in your college or grad school search.