Can You Hear Me? A n A nti - Bullying Curriculum for Parents , Students , Teachers and A dministrators
SUICIDE BULLYING CYBER-BULLYING ISOLATION CUTTING
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR preventing weight-based bullying
VIRAL TACTICS:EXAMPLES
Whatis
Student Bullying? SPEAKERS
how to help my child
CYBER BULLYING
Never Observe Being Bullied In This School
A Note To Our Sponsors: This booklet was created to address the rising number of bullying incidents across our nation. Many who suffer from bullying often do so in isolation or in a false sense of loneliness because, up until now, there has not been a booklet to shed light on the signs, risks and dangers of bullying. It is important to us that parents, teachers and administrators are equipped with the information that they need to detect and combat bullying. We not only address bullying in our booklet, we also send our expert speakers and performers to the schools to discourage bullying and to offer encouragement to those who suffer from bullying. Our expert speakers and performers are skilled in facilitating fun while motivating change. Safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us. Our hearts go out to any parents and their children who struggle with bullying. Your support is so appreciated in our fight for the children. Can You Hear Me Now cannot thank you enough for helping students across our nation to eradicate bullying from our public school environment. You, our sponsors, are our champions and we will work hard with all that you entrust to us! Together, we will provide safety and superior resources to students in our nation!
Peggi Merkey, Founder of Can You Hear Me Now
Table of Contents
WHAT IS STUDENT BULLYING?………………………………………………… 2-3 CONFLICT VS. BULLYING……………………………………………………… 4-5 BULLYING VS. HARRASMENT…………………………………………………… 6-7 CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW SPEAKERS……………………………………………8-13 SIGNS TO LOOK FOR…………………………………………………………… 14-15 HOW TO HELP MY CHILD……………………………………………………… 16-17 CYBERBULLYING………………………………………………………………… 18-19 CYBERBULLYING TACTICS……………………………………………………… 20-21 VIRAL TACTICS: EXAMPLES…………………………………………………… 22-23 ESTABLISHING RULES………………………………………………………… 24-25 PREVENTING WEIGHT-BASED BULLYING…………………………………… 26-27 DO'S & DON'TS………………………………………………………………… 28-29
1
WHAT IS
Student Bullying?
Bullying against a student(s) i s the intentional action by an i ndi v i du al o r group of i nd i v i dual s to inflict physical, emotional or mental harm or sufferi ng on another i nd i v i d u al or group of i nd i v idu al s when there i s an imbalance of real or perceived power. Bul lyi ng behavior creates an objectively hostile or offensive environment. Such an environment may cause, o r be likely to cause, negative and harmful condi tions. Bullying is the intentional action to inflict physical, emotional or mental harm or sufferi ng on another when there i s an imbalance of real or perceived power. Student- to-Student Bul lyi ng mani fests i ts e l f i n various forms, such as: intentional actions, hu r tf u l name-calling, and physical attacks a l l of which occur i n our schools and our larger community. Furthermore, bullying impacts not only the targeted student, but the student who engaged i n the behavior, bystanders and the larger school community. 2
3
Tying security to Our lives
Conflict vs. Bullying What is conflict? Conflict occurs when two or more people who are peers disagree.As our students grow and form relationships with each other,conflictmayarise and attimes,maybe hurtful. Despite the fact that conflict may hurt someone emotionally or physically, conflict is NOTbullying. What is bullying? more people who are at odds with each other, and the person who engages in the act of bullying intends to hurt the other person (emotionally or physically). The emotional and/ or physical harm is done on purpose to make the targeted person feel bad and in some cases, powerless.Also, there is something unequal about the relationship between the person who engaged in the act of bullying and the person who was targeted (when a student uses their social influence and/or popularity to turn others against the targeted student). 4 Anactisconsidered bullying whenthere is an imbalance of power between two or
Conflict Both parties are in part responsible for the problem. A disagreement or difference of opinion between equals
Bullying One party is primarily responsible for the problem.
An imbalance of power (real or perceived) exists between parties.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center www.pacer.org
5
Bullying vs. Harassment Harassment is unwanted , deliberate or repeated unsolicited comments (oral or written), gestures, graphic material, physical contact, verbal/nonverbalorphysicalconduct directed to an individual because of the student’s membership in a protected class. Harassment occurs when a hostileenvironmentiscreatedbythe offendingbehavior. HERE IS A LIST OF PROTECTED CLASSES: •Age •Ancestry
•ParentalStatus •Pregnancy •Race •Religion •Retaliation • Sex •Sexual Orientation •National Origin
• Color • Creed •Disability • Gender Expression • Gender Identity
• offendsorhumiliates others •Homelessness •Marital Status Bullying and harassment BOTH involve behavior that..... • intimidates •threatens 6
7
Austin Lanier
Austin Lanier is the new “Heartthrob” in school assemblies. But don’t let his looks fool you. He is profound and knows very well how to relate to the students and what they are going through in THEIR culture! He loves doing school assemblies because of the messages he gets from so many students. Check out how successful this young man has been in impacting students in school assemblies. The reason is that he made it through depression, fame, bullying and so much more so that when he speaks to the students, his love and concern show through in his profound speech.
1. When I'm not doing school assemblies, I LOVE SOCCER! I play soccer when I can and love watching English Premier on TV.
2. What is one word that describes you: GENUINE
3. What is your favorite food: Chipotle Chipotle AND Chipotle
4. Why do you speak in school assemblies? I have a message of hope that needs to be heard by every student in the world. 5. My Instagram is @Atrainlanier and it’s what I use most!
TO BOOK Austin, CALL Peggi Merkey@281.859.8810
8
GR8F u L
John O'Neal, known as G R 8 F u L , grew up in Bay City, Texas. Overcoming drugs and alcohol addiction, depression, gangs and anger, G R8F u L was catapulted into the noble work that he does today. Despite the murder of his sixteen year old brother, G R8FuL was able to put his past in its proper position and stay on the right path. In 2007, he rededicated his life to God and immediately began to chase after God's heart. G R8FuL is primarily dedicated to his wife and children, then to his community, other cities and other countries. He speaks to youth and adults and encourages them to turn their lives around like he did.
2.What is one word that describes you: Grateful!
1. When I am not doing school assemblies, I enjoy sports, gaming, martial arts, chess, rap, reading , & trying new things.
4. Why do you speak in school assemblies? I always wished that I had someone like me that understood what I was going through and to remind me that I AM NOT ALONE!
3. What is your favorite food: Seafood
TO BOOK GR8F u L , CALL PEGGI MERKEY@281.859.8810
9
KEITH DAVIS FORMER NFLLINEBACKER
A former NFL linebacker, Rose Bowl champion and USC graduate,Keith Davis overcame tremendous family obstacles and reading difficulties to obtain a degree in business finance.To add to his degree,he was awarded the number one academic scholar on his team. His personal victories inspire his exciting, interactive and dynamic program which challenges people of all ages to pursue a lifestyle of excellence.Keith is a man of character and commitment who truly lives by the
principles that he shares. 1. When I’m not doing school assemblies I love to t r avel! I’ve hada chance to explore all 50 states andover 60 foreign countries aroundthe globe!My goal is to visit 100 countries!
2. My favorite foodsare; Moroccan food,Indianfood, Ethiopianfood,Thaifood, Japanese food,Jamaican food, Soul food,and barbecue! 4. I speak in schools because someone inspiredand helped me as a teenager, andI hope that I can help andinspire others,the samewaysomeone helpedme!I believe speaking and encouragingis oneof my life assignments!
3.Afew words that describe me are passionate, full of faith, and steady!
5. My Instagram is:KeithDavis_98 My Twitter is:KeithDavis_98
TO BOOK MR. DAVIS, CALLPeggi Merkey @281.859.8810
1 0
MELVIN ADAMS FORMER HARLEM GLOBETROTTER
“It’s e a sy t o see why Mel vin is so great .” He was trained by the World-Class Famous Harlem Globetrotters! He is a fantastic comedian and a profound speaker! S t a f f , par e nt s, corporations and st ud e nt s love Melvin! He is energetic and his Globetrotter tricks are the best!
1)When I’mnot doing school assemblies Il ove to spend time with mywife and my kids.
2)What is one word that describes you? LOVING!
4)I speak because teachers changed my lif e and I’m passing it f orward to make the world a better place
3)What is your favorite food? Gumbo
5)Social media Instagram-Globetrottermelvin Twitter- Trottermelvin TOBOOKMELVIN,
CALLPeggi Merkey @281.859.8810
1 1
SHAWN HARPER FORMER NFL LINEMAN
Mr. Shawn Harper is a former college and NFLplayer. He began his football career at a junior college,. With hard work, diligence, and a “never quit” attitude, he achieved his big dream of playing in the NFL as an offensive lineman for seven years with the Rams, the Colts, and NFL Europe. He travels nationwide as a powerful,motivationalspeakerandauthor.He wantsyou to know that you can go for the win in life just like he did, even when it seems impossible.
2. I can be described as Adventurous. I like to take risks and try new things.
1. In my spare time, I like to watch movies: Netflix, Hulu, Prime, or theater, it doesn’t matter!
3. Favorite food: PIZZA!
4. I liketo speak in school assemblies for the chance to positively impact young livesand pay it forward for those who helped me when I was struggling.
5. Twitter: shawnharper075 Instagram: shawnharperspeaks
TO BOOK SHAWN, CALLPeggi Merkey @281.859.8810
1 2
JONATHAN MEDINA
Jonathan movedto over 9 different schools by10th grade and then lived in South Texas after his mom was incarcerated. Growing up on the border Jonathan worked with his grandfather as a migrant. His grandfather taught him, “in this life youmust fight/wrestle”. Jonathan’s dream was to go to a highly selective schooland play football.After he accomplished his goals, he made it his missionto help other students DREAM BIGand accomplish their goals and overcome obstacles such as bullying.
1. When not doing school assemblies: he loves to watch Disney+ & Yo u tube, ride roller coasters, hit the beach, and attend live events (Sporting events, concerts, festivals).
2.Oneword thatdescribesMe- Passionate!
4. Jonathan’s life mission is to help schools encourage students, equip educators and engage parents in helping their students to graduate and become college & career ready.
3. favorite food: Bar-B-Que and Mexican food
5) Social media Instagram @jmedinaspeaks
TO BOOK JONATHAN, CALLPeggi Merkey @281.859.8810
1 3
MARIAH MAVERICK
Musician, DJ, Motivational Speaker, Mentor and basketball aficionado; Mariah Maverick defied the odds that were stacked up against her. Growing up in two separate homes, it was challenging for her to find her identity somewhere between the grip of her dad's strict and religious parenting and the leniency that she found with her mother who struggled with addiction and suicidal ideations. Discovering a talent for basketball, Mariah excelled and dreamed of playing in college and ultimately in the WNBA. A severe ankle injury was the beginning of a downward spiral where she dropped out of high school, abandoned basketball and pacified her disappointment with reckless behavior including drug use and drug distribution. After a turn of events, Mariah returned to school where she was relentlessly pursued by a basketball coach who recognized that though Mariah left basketball, basketball never left her. She went on to lead the team to many victories while earning her diploma. Mariah is now the Co-founder of "Project Hoopers" where she works alongside, Founder-Matthew Smith. They use basketball as a platform to reach and teach at-risk youth life skills that will help them to also defy the odds.
motivationalmessages.net
281-859-8810
peggi@mmspeakers.co
NEXT ASSEMBLY MAKE YOUR
MELVIN ADAMS
World Renown Former Harlem Globetrotter- Melvin Adams is a fantastic comedian and heartfelt speaker that engages with the audience in a fun and memorable way.
AUSTIN LANIER
Profound Speaker & Music Artist- Austin Lanier uses creativity to relate to students and shares about how he overcame depression, bullying and so much more.
KEITH DAVIS
Former NFL Linebacker- Keith Davis did not allow family and academic obstacles to keep him from earning his degree. In a dynamic way, Davis challenges the same resilience from students.
Top Hispanic Speaker with an Ivy League Education-Jonathan Medina accomplished his dreams despite moving to over 9 different schools by the 10th grade and having absent parents.
JONATHAN MEDINA
motivationalmessages.net
281-859-8810
peggi@mmspeakers.co
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR Be aware of signs and symptoms of bullying: A child who is a victim of bullying may display one or more of the following behaviors at home: Appears sador depressed,or shows unexpected mood shifts, irritability, disrupted sleep, and sudden outbursts of temper.
Seems socially isolated, with few — if any — real friends; is rarely invited to parties or to the homes of other kids. Appears afraid or reluctant to go to school in the morning, complaining repeatedly of headaches or stomach pains.
Loses interest in school work, and grades suffer.
1 4
15
N ever O bserve B eing B ullied I n T his S chool = Tyingsecurity to Our lives
HOW TO HELP MY CHILD
1. TALK WITH YOUR CHILD:
It is important to provide your child with a safe, supportive place to discuss their feelings. Ask open-ended questions like: "What happened? "How did that make you feel?"
2. SUPPORT & EMPOWER YOUR CHILD:
Assist your child in developing an action plan to address this problem. Help your child understand that they have the ability to generate ideas and develop potential solutions around this problem. Ask questions like: "What do you think you can say next time? What do you think might work? What would you like to see happen?"
3. BE AWARE OF & MONITOR YOUR CHILD'S USE OF TECHNOLOGY:
Cyber-bullying is harmful and oftentimes is not addressed. Monitoring your child's use of social media keeps you informed of the social interactions that may impact your child's well-being.
4. UNDERSTAND YOUR RIGHTS:
Anti-Bullying policy is included in this booklet in the preceding pages. Access the district's policy and procedures on bullying.
16
5. REACH OUT TO YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL:
Working collaboratively with the staff at your child's school is important in expressing your concerns and advocating for your child. Sometimes, staff may be unaware that bullying is occurring; therefore it is important to engage your child's school.
17
CYBERBULLYING Cyberbullying is bullying tha t takes place over digital devices like cell phones, comput ers, and tabl ets . Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people ca n view, pa rti cipa te in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sendi ng , posting , or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about some on e else. It ca n include sharing person al or private information about someone else causing em bar ras smen t or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.
The most common places where cyberbullying occur s are:
Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Twitter
SMS (Shor t Message Service) also known as Text Messages sent through devices Instant Messager (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
18
19
Cyberbullying Tactics It is important to understand how children are cyberbullied so it can be easily recognized, and action can be taken. Some of the most common cyberbullying tactics include:
• Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful or embarrassing.
• Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves.
• Posting a mean or hurtful picture or video.
• Pretending to be someone else online in order to solicit or post personal or false information about someone else. • Posting mean or hateful names, comments, or content about any race, religion, ethnicity or other personal characteristics online.
• Creating a mean or hurtful webpage about someone.
Doxing, an abbreviated form of the word documents, is a form of online harassment used to exact revenge and to threaten and destroy the privacy of individuals by making their personal information public, including addresses, social security, credit card and phone numbers, links to social media accounts, and other private data.
20
Tying security to Our lives
2 1
Because cyberbullying can happen in different ways, examples based on real-life experiences can provide a deeper understanding of the tactics typically used. Along with other risk factors, bullying can increase the risk for suicide-related behaviors.Furthermore, cyberbullying can be relentless, increasing the likelihood of anxiety and depression. Some states have chosen to prosecute young people who bully for criminal harassment, including encouraging someone to die by suicide. Some forms of cyberbullying are forms of harassment that cross the line into criminal activity, and some tactics occur in dating relationships and can turn into interpersonal violence. VIRAL TACTICS: Examples
22
2 3
ESTABLISHING Rules For Parents talking about appropriate digital Content & Behavior… Parents create trust with children by creating open, honest discussions. These discussions are an opportunity to communicate family values and expectations about their online language and conduct. Some examples include viewing and sharing content, and apps they can and cannot use. Check in frequently with your children about their digital experiences to address any potential risk of cyberbullying and harm. Be clear that your intention is to look out for their wellbeing, and that you want to have an open dialogue. Listen to their concerns and express your opinion. To minimize the risk of cyberbullying or harm from digital behavior, parents can: Set clear expectations about digital behavior and their online reputation .
Educate about the harmful effects of cyberbullying, posting hateful speech or comments. 24
Be clear about what content can be viewed or shared. Identify which apps are appropriate for your child’s use and which are not. Establish rules about the amount of time that a child can spend online or on their devices. Model positive, respectful digital behavior on your own devices and accounts.
25
Tying security to Our lives
Preventing Weight-Based BULLYING Many people living in higher-weight bodies have experienced stigma and discrimination. One manifestation of this is weight- based bullying. Weight-based bullying doesn’t just happen to youth who have a higher weight body. Bullying happens to youth of all sizes. Some children perpetuate a fear in others of becoming larger or they may bully others because they perceive them as too skinny. Children and youth who are self- conscious about their weight or express a sensitivity about their body image may be especially prone to the negative fallout from bullying, including the use of unhealthy weight control behaviors, putting them at risk for developing an eating disorder. Fear of being laughed at or bullied can contribute to isolation from peers. Mental health consequences may include depression and anxiety. Children who are bullied may also experience low self-esteem and behavioral problems. Bullying can even affect a child’s physical health, resulting in increased blood pressure and other physiological stress reactions. Weight-based bullying doesn’t only happen among youth; adults sometimes contribute to this problem. For example, athletic coaches or health counselors may make weight-related comments to or about youths in front of their peers. 26
2 7
Do’s & Don’ts The important thing to remember is that bullying, not a person’s body size or appearance, is the problem. Focusing on changing someone’s body should never be considered the solution to bullying behavior. Here are some important do’s and don’ts for adults and youth when it comes to weight-based bullying: Do’s Call out bullying when you see it. Emphasize that nobody deserves to be teased. Recognize the behavior, not someone’s size, as the problem. Stand up for others who may be targeted because of their bodies.
28
Stay in a group – friends can intervene and help make the bullying stop. Report adults who call out a child’s size with negative comments or with bullying to the adult’s supervisor or boss. Don’ts Joke about size, weight or clothing – someone else’s or yourown. Talk about people’s food choices or what they are eating. Degrade your own body or food choices with others. Don’t focus on celebrity appearances – remember, photos in magazines and on social media are almost always photoshopped!
29
Free at Apple and Android Playstores. Download Equipped Today!
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs