Mokita Dialogues: Understanding the types of bullying and what to do about it
Teen bullying and the effects it has on individuals and communities will be the topic for discussion at this month’s Mokita Dialogues event presented by Jana Marie Foundation. Jana Marie Foundation president and founder Marisa Vicere will facilitate the talk on Thursday, Oct. 28, starting at 11 a.m. on Zoom (tinyurl.com/MokitaDialogues).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines bullying as any unwanted aggressive behaviors by another youth or group of youths who are not siblings or current dating partners, that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance, and is repeated many times or is likely to be repeated. Bullying can come in many different forms:
Physical: This is the most obvious form of bullying. The instigator attempts to physically dominate their target. The behaviors may include kicking, punching, tripping, or shoving.
Verbal: When someone is verbally bullying another, they typically use demeaning language to tear down one’s confidence.
Social/relational: This is a subtle type of bullying that involves someone using emotional methods aimed at getting someone else to feel isolated or alone. This type of bullying is designed to get others to ostracize the target and may include spreading rumors or leaving one out of the group.
Cyberbullying: This type of bullying takes place over social media or other online platforms. The bullying may be through instant messaging, text messages, or online social networks and is often done to humiliate and embarrass others.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one out of every five (20.2%) students report being bullied. Male students reported being physically bullied more often, whereas female students reported being the subjects of rumors or being excluded from activities on purpose more often.
The impact of bullying can be significant in the life of a teen. Bullying behaviors can inflict harm or distress on targeted youth, including physical, psychological, social, and/or educational harm. Furthermore, students who frequently bully or are frequently the target of bullying are at an increased risk for suicide-related behavior, according to the CDC.
It is important to recognize that we all can play an important part in helping to create safe environments for our young people to grow and thrive. Josh Shipp, who grew up in the foster care system, once said, “Every child is one adult away from being a success story.”
This sentiment couldn’t be truer when it comes to supporting the young people in our lives.
Conversations about bullying and what to do if we witness such behaviors can help young people know that there are individuals who have their back and provide them with tools and techniques to help intervene.
While we certainly want to give the message to be an “upstander,” as adults we sometimes forget how much courage it takes to stand up to someone who may have or may be perceived to have more power. Rather than just using the phrase “be an upstander,” we can role play scenarios and discuss the options that we have when we witness mean or bullying-type behaviors, such as:
Confronting the bully directly
Take the side or move physically closer to the person being targeted
Get an adult if necessary
Get the person being targeted to safety.
We can share numbers such as the Crisis Text Line (text “PA” to 741741) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) so our young people know there are always people willing to listen if they aren’t comfortable coming to us or their school counselors.
This Mokita Dialogues session will give us the chance to come together virtually, expand our understanding of bullying, engage in conversations on how we can be more vigilant, and discuss ways we can work together in our community to make a difference.
For the past five years, Jana Marie Foundation’s Mokita Dialogues series has shined a light on a variety of topics of vital social concern that often go unaddressed or unnoticed. Held the fourth Thursday of every month, these discussions include a brief presentation, engaging activities that encourage thought and conversation, and suggestions for ways to continue the discussion.
To learn more about Jana Marie Foundation, visit www.janamariefoundation.org, follow on Facebook (Facebook.com/janamariefoundation) or email info@janamariefoundation.org.