Proposed Bullying Study

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Bullying and victimization in United States schools has just recently begun to be studied(Milsom & Gallo, 2006). Many schools realizing the impact that bullying has on children are quick advocate anti-bullying programs and punish bullies, however victims of bullies are usally given no emotional support. Research on bullying reveals that there are both immediate and future consequences for the targets of bullying (Gottheil and Dubow, 2001). Students are more likely to suffer from academic problems, absenteeism, loneliness and loss of friends especially when the bullying behavior is severe and prolonged (Robert & Coursol, 1996). Children who are targets of aggression are also more likely to be depressed and develop low self-esteem (Gottheil and Dubow, 2001).

There are several important emotional and social areas of concern that should be addressed with victims of bullying which will be the goals of this group. Many bullying victims have lowered self-esteem and self-concept – this will be the primary focus on this group. Research has shown that building self-esteem in a child is a key factor in bullying prevention (Fried & Fried, 1996). Interventions that are aimed at increasing student’s self-esteem help students identify and value areas of competence, provide emotional support to students who may mot receive much from home, help children succeed by teaching them real skills that they can use and help them cope by facing their problems (Harter, 1999).

Sub-topics that are related to the teaching of higher self-esteem that will be addressed include the teaching of assertiveness, other social skills and coping skills. Assertiveness training will be done to help students develop confidence in the abilities to respond assertiv...

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...n Higher Educaiton.

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Milsom, A. & Gallo, L. L. (2006). Bullying in Middle Schools: Prevention and Intervention. Middle School Journal, 12-19.

Roberts, W. B. Jr., & Coursol, D. H. (1996). Strategies for intervention with childhood and adolescent victims of bullying, teasing, and intimidation in school settings. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 30, 204-213.

Sullivan, K. (2000). The Anti-Bullying Handbook. New York: Oxford University Press.

Fried, S. & Fried, S. (1996). Bullies and victims: Helping Your Child Survives the

Schoolyard Battlefield. New York: M. Evans and Company, Inc.

Harter, S. (1999). The construction of self. In J.W. Santrock, Life-Span Development. NY:McGraw Hill.

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