We are about to discuss material that has the potential to be extremely heavy and serious. If you feel you are unable to participate in a mature way, please let me know. If you feel you cannot live by the statement, “What you hear here, What you Say here, when you leave here, let it stay here” Make sure to let me know NOW.
REVIEW
We are beginning our three day discussion with the textbook definition of bullying.
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
· An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
· Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
We will use a protocol ” Chalk Talk” to address this sensitive topic.
Be sure to address the three following issues connected with bullying:
- Types of Bullying
- Where and When Bullying Happens
- Frequency of Bullying
DAY ONE
Jamey Rodemeyer, a gay teen victim of bullying, committed suicide according to his parents, days before the first ever Department of Education National Summit Against Bullying. The 14-year-old was found dead in an apparent suicide, just a few short months after the teen posted an anti-bullying video on YouTube, entitled “It Gets Better, I promise!” encouraging others to stay strong. Read the full story here…
READ the article titled, James Rodemeyer, 14-year-old in anti-bullying PSA video, commits suicide over anti-homosexual taunts…..
WATCH: Bullying: Words Can Kill – A “48 Hour” Preview
AND READ this article, NY anti-bullying legislation breakdown
After reading the article, watch the video Jamie made for YouTube stating, It Gets Better, I Promise…..
Jamey Rodemeyer’s Parents Say Teen Bullied In Death
DAY TWO
CyberBullying is a growing problem among children and teenagers on the Internet. The anonymity and ease of communication the Internet provides can create a vehicle for bullying, harassment and defamation, harmful actions that can make the Internet a hostile and dangerous place. CyberBullying is a problem that must be addressed and solved.
Help end CyberBullying by creating a 30 second Public Service Announcement on this issue. Submit your video to our YouTube Channel, SOMSesearchDebate. The submitted videos will be used on various teacher blogs and district websites and will also be considered for various contests.
Watch the video below to understand the impact of CyberBullying.
Click here to view the CyberBullying Toolkit which is filled with resources and statistical information regarding the impact of CyberBullying. Watch the video below that is intended for parents.
After watching the videos below please click your class period to enter a group chat and join the chat with an anonymous name that can only be seen with your class.