Let's not ignore Peer Bullying

 

Today, we are discussing peer bullying, an important issue that many students are exposed to, but often cannot express. We spoke to a guidance counselor and a student who has been bullied, about the subject.

Journalist:

- What is peer bullying and in what forms is it seen?

Guidance Counselor: 

- Peer bullying is when a student intentionally harms or disturbs another student. This can happen through physical, verbal, social and digital means. While physical bullying includes actions such as pushing, hitting, and withholding items, verbal bullying includes behaviors such as insulting and mocking. Social bullying can be seen as excluding someone or spreading gossip about them. Cyber ​​bullying, which has become widespread today, includes threats and derogatory comments made over the internet and social media.

Journalist:

- As a student who has been bullied, how did this process affect you?

Student: 

- At first I thought they were just joking, but over time these jokes started to bother me. They constantly made fun of my name, sometimes they hid my things. When sarcastic comments were made about me on social media, I felt very bad. I didn't want to go to school, I wanted to be alone.

Journalist:

- So, what did you do to cope with this situation?

Student:

- First, I told my family and a teacher about the situation. They supported me and we looked for solutions together with the guidance service. The bullies were talked to and awareness activities were carried out. I feel stronger now because I know I'm not alone.

Journalist: 

- What can families, teachers and students do to prevent peer bullying?

Guidance Counselor: 

- The most important step is to create a safe environment where children can share when they are being bullied. Families should talk to their children regularly and encourage them to share their feelings. Teachers should organize activities to prevent bullying at school and help students develop a sense of empathy. Students should not leave a friend who is being bullied alone, they should support him/her and report the situation to an adult.

Journalist:

- Thank you both very much. We hope this interview raises awareness in the fight against bullying.

Guidance Counselor & Student: 

- Thank you. Everyone needs to do the best to fight bullying.

Editors of the Article:

The Students of 5th Grade

Almina, Ali, Asaf, Eminew, Asiye

Ataturk Secondary School

Turkey

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Just a Joke, or Bullying?

 

As communication styles diversify today, it is important to distinguiosh the fine line between jokes and bullying. Jokes between friends can sometimes kead to misunderstandings or hurtful situations. So, how can we tell the difference between jokes and bullying?

Differences Between Joking and Bullying

1. Intent:

         Jokes: Usually done with friendly intentions and create mutual smiles.

         Bullying: Aims to humiliate or upset the other part.

2. Mutual Understanding:

         Jokes: Both parts get the joke and smile.

         Bullying: The victimized part is often made uncomfortable or upset.

3. Again:

         Jokes: Usually on-off or done in different ways.

         Bullying: It is repeated over and over and makes the victim feel bad.

4. Scope:

         Jokes: It is done in small groups, in a friendly enviroment.

         Bullying: Can be widespread and can embarrass the victim in public.

What to Pay Attention to When Making Jokes?

         Emotions of the other part: Before making a joke, t;ake into consideration the mood and emotions of the other person.

         Topic Selection: Avoid making jokes about sensetive topics.

         Don't Cross the Line: Avoid pushing the boundaries and moderate the joke.

         Feedback: Monitor the other part's reaction. If you sense discomfort, apologize and make amends.

Signs of Bullying and Precautions

         Symptoms:

               Constant ridicule of humiliation

               Social exclusion

               Feeling of psychological pressure

         Measures:

               Communicate openly and share your feelings with the other part.

               Tell the situation to someone you trust.

               Do not hesitate to seek professional help.

When you understand the difference between a joke and bullying, you can communicate more empathtically and respectfully. Remember, everyone has different boundaries, and respecting those boundaries is the key to healthy relationships.

Editors of the Article:

The students of 5th Grade:

Sena, Rumeysa, Zeynep, Omer, Muhammed, Ediz.

Gorele Imam Hatip Secondary School, Giresun

Turkey

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Interviews

 

Our Students decided that it is very important to understand the way that bullies, bullying victims and bullying observers think, feel and act.

So they shared to school's students a questionnaire about Bullying and then they interviewed the students that they admited they have been bullies, bullying victims or bullying observers. 

Here are some of the interviews.

Student A

"I have bullied a kid once...

We were at the same age. I was with two friends, he was alone. He said something to me and i got very ungry. I told him many bad words and my friends did the same. He was scared.. He ran away to ask for help. How did i feel? I felt a little joy then, because i scared him, but very soon i regreted.

No, i would not do it again!"

Student B

"Yes, i have been a bully...

There was a kid, older than me. One day he did something that made me very ungry! I went against him shouting with bad words. He was frightened and he called for help. I felt strong, becayse i made an older boy to run away. I don't know if i would react like this again. I surely don't want to."

Student C

"I was alone and some kids started to shout at me. They said i did something i didn't do, i tried to explain but they didn't hear me. Some other kids were around and they tried to help me. At first they talked to them, and then they called for help. I felt so scared, but i felt ungry too! After all this time, i think i should be more sure for my self and not so scared."

Student D

" I had a very difficult time, when some girls from my school started to sare rumors about me, telling lies to everyone for me. I saw the other kids, they looked at me in a stranghe way, some they were laughing. I couldn't understand what was happening. I got lucky, because two other girls, told me about the rumors, and all together asked help from an adult. I felt so alone, but these girls helped me and we found the solution. And the solution is to Talk!"

Student E

"Me and my best friend saw it. Two kids were shouting and threatend another kid. He was so scared! We were scared too! We were thinking what to do to help the kid. We decided to call an adult for help, and so we did. I think the role of an observer at a bullying incident, is very important! He or she must try to help and the best way is to talk to an aduly!"

Student F

"I was alone when i saw these three kids hitting another kid! I was scared! I din't know what to do! If i helped the kid, maybe i was the next victim! I wanted to run away and forget what i saw! But i couldn't do it! Who would help the kid if not me? I run and called for help! The kid was saved!"

Editors of the Article:

The students of 6th grade:

Vasia, Chara, Dimitra, Stamatis, Dimitris, Giannis, Savina, Ioanna, Petros, Samit

Primary School of Dystos

Greece

 

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