Just The Facts:

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance Boys are involved more in overt physical bullying, but girls tend to use relational bullying more than boys (Mark et al., 2011) Approximately 85% of LGBT youth reported experiencing some form of bulling while at school (Swearer et al., 2010) Students with disabilities are victimized more frequently than their nondisabled peers (increased verbal abuse, social exclusion, and physical aggression) Many times a student can be perceived by their peers as both a victim and a bully In a national survey, 81% of teens responded that they believe cyberbullies bully because they think it is funny Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying

Bully-victims are at a high risk for health problems in adulthood such as a serious illness or a psychatric disorder

It can negatively impact a student's ability to learn

Why is it important?
Both victims and bullies are at an increased risk for mental health issues (i.e. depression, anxiety, and suicide) Bullying can threaten students' physical and emotional safety at school

Bullying effects the climate of the school, and the climate of the school influences bullying

There are severe longterm consequences for both the targets and the bullies

PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) can help decrease bullying

Strategies & Tips for Prevention and Intervention

Students with disabilities can have specialized approaches for preventing and responding to bullying outlined in their IEPs or Section 504 plans Educate students on the dangers of bullying (including cyberbullying, relational bullying, physical bullying, and all other types) Encourage students to report bullying Assess school prevention and intervention efforts around student behavior, including substance use and violence

Bullying and Children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder):

Research suggests that kids with ASD are especially vulnerable to bullying Findings have shown that these students are often intentionally triggered into meltdowns or aggressive outbursts by ill-intentioned peers They have major deficits in social understanding, which makes them especially at risk for bullying

Sources: SPED 470 Week 9 PowerPoint Prevention of bullying. (2013, October 03). Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/prevbully.asp Ian research report: Bullying and children with asd. (2012, March 26). Retrieved from http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/ian_research_reports/ian_research_report_bullying Prevention at school. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/at-school/