The Bully Show

Background Information that informs the stories and audience interaction pieces of “The Bully Show”:

About Bullies
What makes a person turn into a Bully?
Home: harsh discipline then neglect, loud & angry communication
Bigger stronger people pick on him
No true friends—only some peer status
Schoolwork difficult, little to no connection with teachers

Myths about Bullies:
Bullying is a natural part of growing up
Bullies are always boys
Bullies have low self-esteem
Bullies are not popular

Tactics for Bullies to turn around their behavior:
Turn hurtful words into kind and helpful words
Talk about your feelings with a trusted adult
Ask for a job or project of responsibility
Ask to be included in play or work

About Targets (Victims)
A message for Targets:
You’re not alone
It’s not your fault
Don’t take it personally—Bullies are people with problems
Bullies can be stopped

What you may have that the Bully wants:
A great sense of humor
An interesting life: music, interests, hobbies, sports, travel
Friends
Parents and family who love you

How to stop someone from bullying you:
Ignore the Bully’s “putdown” or change the subject
Ask the Bully to stop or use humor or stick up for yourself, then leave
Tell firmly to stop or SHOUT; e.g. STOP!!! I don’t like it when you call me names!
Move away or run from the Bully to a group or a friend
Go to an adult you trust and tell what is happening to you.

Bullyproofing:
Stand up straight, make eye contact, walk with purpose
Find your strengths and develop your own interests
Set goals and strive for them
Make sure your “self talk” is always positive
Have a positive attitude coming to school
Hold in your mind: I will not be bullied anymore
Make friends to build support for yourself
Be with people who will protect you on the bus or the walk to & from school
Act like a friend to the Bully—set a good example
If a gang is bothering you, speak later to the gang members individually

About By-Standers
Observe pattern of the Bully and the Target
Note the imbalance of power: the Target is upset and the Bully is in control
If caught, the Bully blames the Target
The Bully has a lack of concern and compassion for the Target

Take a stand — Change from a Bystander into a Leader
Help create a Bully Workshop to make class rules
Outlaw Exclusion
No one is mistreated: No bullies, No Victims!
Speak up: Bully behavior is NOT acceptable
Privately support the Target with kindness
Refuse to join: laughter at someone’s expense, teasing, rumors, or gossip
When possible, take the Bully aside and tell her or him to “cool it”.

About Everyone
Friend-making skills for Targets, Bullies & Bystanders
Share something with someone
Offer to help someone
Include someone in work or play
Compliment and appreciate someone
Ask someone for help or advice

Bully Workshop
Discussions or Writing Projects:

• Tell about the time you were bullied, teased, or put down and the other person said, “I was just kidding”.

• Tell about the problem locations in & around school where there is bullying.

• Have the class discuss & agree on what to do when they see bullying.

• Invite the students to make classroom rules of behavior to prevent bullying.
  For classroom rules to be effective, they should be:
  Created with student input and accepted by everyone
  Specific and easy to understand
  Communicated to and supported by parents, other teachers and staff.
  Enforced consistently and fairly

Sample Class Rules (from Jenkintown, PA School District)

• Bullying is not allowed in our classroom.

• We don’t call names, or put people down.

• We don’t hit, shove, kick, or punch.

• If we see someone being bullied, we speak up and stop it (if we can) or go for help.

• When we do things as a group, we make sure that everyone is included.

• We make new students feel welcome.

• We listen to each other’s opinions, even if we don’t agree with them.

• We treat each other with kindness & respect.

• We respect each other’s property; school property, too.

• We look for the good in others and value differences.

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