Please share this video with a middle or high school child!
New research from scholars at University of California found that approaches to bullying and harassment have a better chance of success if bystanders, who make up the vast majority, are the focus of efforts to shift social norms.
1) Recognize and Respond
Bullying and intolerance manifest as verbal, written or physical acts that harm another person.
2) Create opportunities for open dialogue with young people about bullying and intolerance.
Let students lead through peer-to-peer action.
3) Encourage Bystanders to Become “Upstanders”
Upstanders are people who stand up for themselves and others.
4) Foster Safety and Inclusion
Foster safe and welcoming environments that promote inclusion and acceptance, places where students feel everyone is respected and their identity is valued.
5) Educate Your Community
Partner with others to take joint action in educating students, teachers and parents about bullying in your school and community.
WHY IS THIS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT?
In three horrifying hate crimes, high school students murdered a transgender Latina youth in Newark, California in 2005, a Latino man in Patchogue, New York in 2008, and an African-American man in Mississippi in 2011. As many as 20 people were involved in or stood and watched the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside a Richmond, California high school homecoming dance in 2009.
Every day, news outlets report cases of youth who are bullied because they are perceived to be gay. Bullying can lead to serious emotional problems, multiple school absences and higher risk factors for suicide. These incidents have raised national awareness with new anti-bullying laws in 48 states that require schools to take immediate action regarding bullying.
New research from scholars at University of California – Davis found that approaches to bullying and harassment have a better chance of success if bystanders, who make up the vast majority, are the focus of efforts to shift social norms. Interestingly, students seeking to move up the social ladder engage in acts of social cruelty, erroneously believing that it will increase their status.
