Bullying at Douglass

A Discussion and Interview with Douglass Theater Students

CEPD 8102Barry D. Thibault

Dr. Hayes

Bullying Project

Project Summary

This project allowed me the opportunity to interview several of my students about their thoughts and experiences with bullying in the classroom.

The intent was to share and learn what obstacles they face in their daily struggles with this important topic. These students have agreed to share their video discussions with others to encourage changes within our school.

The Douglass Theater Students have also agreed to use the advice of peers and video discussions to promote and advocate the necessary change in our community.

Obama’s message to students on Bullying

Thoughts on “Bullying in the Classroom” President Obama

http://www.youtube.com/itgetsbetterproject

Outcomes of Bullying

Many students face bullying everyday!

Outcomes of Bullying

• What does the word “Bullying” mean to you and your classroom?

Physical or psychological intimidation that occurs repeatedly over time

Bullying can include teasing, hitting, cyber bullying or stealing

Boys and girls can become bullies

Spreading rumors or exclusion from groups and friends

Class Bullying Discussion

Douglass Theater “Bullying in the Classroom” Student Discussions

Outcomes of Bullying

• Who are the victims of Bullying?

Children who are bullied are often insecure, socially isolated, anxious, and have low self-esteem

They are unlikely to defend themselves or retaliate

They tend to be weaker than their peers

Bullying Interview Theater 2A Period Video/Audio

Douglass Theater “Bullying in the Classroom” Student Discussions

Outcomes of Bullying

• How is “Bullying” affecting student and parent /teacher relations?

•Parents of children who are bullied are often overprotective with their children

•Children who are bullied perceive parent or teacher intervention to be ineffective and are unlikely to report the problem

Bullying Interview Video/Audio

Douglass Theater “Bullying in the Classroom” Student Discussions

Outcomes Of Bullying

• What are the outcomes of being harassed ?

Children who are bullied often experience low self-esteem and depression even into adulthood

Children who are bullied perceive school as an unsafe place and are likely to miss more days of school than their peers, as a result their education is negatively affected

Outcomes of Bullying

• What are the outcomes of being harassed (Continued)?

Children who are bullied often have higher incidences of headaches, sleeping problems, abdominal pain, feelings of depression and being tired (Fekkes, Pijpers, & Verloove-Vanhornick, 2004).

Children who are bullied perceive school as an unsafe to be and often times shy away from joining groups/clubs and have a higher risk for quitting school.

Bullying and Race, Student Issues, Sexual Orientation

Final thoughts on “Bullying in the Classroom” Student Discussions

Outcomes of Bullying

Preventing Bullying

• What can we do to prevent further bullying in Theater Class?

Develop classroom rules against bullyingDevelop cooperative learning projects that encourage teamwork and reduce social isolationCreate activities or assignments that teach problem-solving or conflict-resolution skillsParticipate in role-playing or other activities to help children understand the perspectives of others and identify feelings

Outcomes of Bullying

Bullying Misconceptions:

Bullying is often perceived as a harmless rite of passage that all children will experience

Unless bullying is likely to lead to physical injury, many adults believe it is best left to be resolved by children and their peers

“One life lost in this senseless way is tragic. Four lives lost is a crisis. And these are just the stories we hear about. How many other teens have we lost? How many others are suffering in silence? Being a teenager and figuring out who you are is hard enough without someone attacking you.”

“My heart is breaking for their families, their friends and for a society that continues to let this happen. These kids needed us. We have an obligation to change this. There are messages everywhere that validate this kind of bullying and taunting and we have to make it stop. We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life.”

Read more: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/09/its_time_to_end_teenage_bullying_0930.php

Ellen Degeneres- Talk Show Host

Bullying References

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2010/09/its_time_to_end_teenage_bullying_0930.php

http://www.youtube.com/itgetsbetterproject

Santrock, J.W., (2008). Essentials of life-span development (1st ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.