..3-Part Definition of Bullying
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Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength.
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Bullying is agressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions.
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Bullying involves one serious act or a pattern of behavior over time.
..Definition of Intimidation
Subjection to intentional action that seriously threatens and induces a sense of fear and/or inferiority which adversely affects one’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational or work setting.
..Definition of Harassment
A sufficiently severe action or persistent, pervasive pattern of actions or statements, directed at an identifiable individual or group, that is intended to be, or which a reasonable person would perceive as, ridiculing or demeaning.
In January 2010 Phoebe Prince committed suicide after suffering months of bullying; she hung herself with the scarf her little sister gave her for Christmas.
Proactive Approach
Smashing ANTs is a PROACTIVE approach to Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation PREVENTION. It teaches students how to talk to themselves in a way that builds self-esteem and confidence. Students learn how to build themselves up so they are less apt to want to tear others down or be torn down.
Tools for ALL
The Target of Bullying
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75% of students are victimized by bullies during their school career. (National Crime Prevention Council)
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It's bad enough that kids are being treated so poorly by bullies, but to know that the victims are beating themselves up as well, is just terrible! Unfortuately, that 's what happens!Smashing ANTs provide self-esteem building tools that empowers the target of bullying so they don't feel victimized. They learn how to use ANT Smashers like, Drown It and Wrap It to ensure they don't continue where the bully left off.
The Bystanders
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Bullying also has an impact on other students at school who are bystanders to bullying. (Banks, 1997) Bullying creates a climate of fear and disrespect in schools and has a negative impact on student learning. (NEA 1, 2003)
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Smashing ANTs provides the tools to give bystanders the confidence to join forces and stand up for the target of the bullying, thus taking the power away from the bully.
The Person Exhibiting the Bullying Behavior
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By age 24, 60% of former bullies have been convicted of a crime. (National Crime Prevention Council)
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Students learn the detrimental effects of ANTs and that being mean to others creates ANTs for themselves! They learn how to recognize such ANTs as the Blame|Victim ANT and the Anger ANT and they learn helpful ANT Smashers like Step-up It and Cool It to combat those ANTs. They also learn ANT Smashers like Respect It where they learn how to talk, act and listen respectfully. Authorities on Anti-Bullying say that schools are better suited to get students focused on respect, kindness and self-esteem building than using anti-bullying messages.
