(Answers)
1. (D) Myth - Targets of bullies are usually kids/Adults with physical differences (overweight glasses, funny looking, etc.). Fact Response - Targets don't look any more different than we do from each other - but, their DIFFERENCES are targeted an and the imbalance of power makes it impossible for them to defend themselves.
2. (C) Bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. In Broward County Schools Anti-Bullying Policy, when investigating and determining bullying, we focus on whether the behavior is/was characterized by ALL 3 of the following elements:
R - Repeated (more than once)
I - Imbalance of power (physical, social, economic, racial, etc.). Clearly note and discuss that the stereotypical imbalance of power that children normally think of in terms of size is often NOT what might be occurring.
P - Purposeful, refers to the intent to harm, when one has been told or knows the action is hurtful or unwanted.
3. (B) There are 3 TYPES of bullying: Verbal, Mental (or emotional), and physical. Most people can easily recognize the verbal and the physical, but it is the Mental which can be harder to identify. Notably, even though people tend to minimize its damage, research has shownthat Mental bullying can cause even more long term damage than the other two - the damage is just hidden from the eye and therefore easier for outsiders to minimize.
4. (C) Bullying is further defined as: unwanted purposeful written, verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior, including but not limited to any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or student, that has the potential to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment or cause long term damage; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's school performance or participation, is carried out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power.
5. (A) Cyberbullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices such as e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, mobil phones, pagers and defamatory websites to bully or otherwise harass an individual or group through personal attacks or other means. NOTE: cyberbullying may be actionable by your school even if it occurred off campus and can constitute a computer crime.
6. (B) Teach adults and students the 3 R's when they suspect or witness bullying. When we see bullying we must:
- Refuse - to engage, watch or join in the hurtful behavior (don't empower the aggressor).
suspected bullying.
7. (F) To send Text Message: Enter SBBC, then space, then write Message, and send to CRIMES or 274637. For forms and on how to send a complaint online visit www.browardschools.com or www.browardprevention.org
8. (C) The principal or Investigative Designee (who is YOUR school's?) must document, in writing, any complaint, even if made informally - the ID is also the one to investigate and will contact all parties within 2 days of receiving the complaint. Also note that al investigations and determinations must e completed within 10 days after the initial 2 day contact (thus making the total equal up to 12 days). If any of the parties are dissatisfied with the resolution, they may appeal in writing to the principal and to the Area Superintendent within 5 days.
9. (C) MYTH: I am Tattling/Snitching if I tell? Response - We are helping our friends, not hurting by telling. One of the greatest myths that keeps us from acting to Abolish Bullying is the culture of "NO SNITCHING" as cool. By focusing on creating a school culture that is safe and supportive, you help to promote a telling environment. You tattle when you want to get someone in trouble, you tell to help and protect. Also, research has shown that the fear of RETALIATION is a myth as well and things get better, not worse, when adults effectively intervene. Bullying and violence flourish in the dark, we must shine light on what is happening if we hope to stop it.
10. No right or wrong answer. Use
results as a prompter to promote a dialogue on how to create a school
environment where students and staff feel safe and supported. Research has
shown that if we truly want to see a shift in bullying behavior we have to work
together in our homes, schools, and throughout our community to create a culture
of bystander intervention through increased education and awareness. Go to
www.browardprevention.org to find more discussion prompters and classroom
lessons related to bullying.