BULLYING

The many forms of bullying affect one-third of our youth today. Bullying is the repeated actions or threats of action directed toward a person by one or more people who have or are perceived to have more power or status than their target in order to cause fear, distress or harm.   Bullying includes name-calling, obscene gesturing, malicious teasing, rumors, slander, social exclusion, damaging someone’s belongings, threats and physical violence.

CYBERBULLYING

In addition to face-to-face bullying, cyberbullying has become another means for some youth to bully and harass others.   Cyberbullying is the persistent and intentional use of electronic communication to harass, threaten, intimidate or otherwise mistreat, typically between or among youth. Approximately 20% of young people reported experiencing cyberbullying in their lifetimes. 

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT AGAINST BULLYING

Students who challenged bullying and now lead ADL anti-bullying programs attend White House Conference on Bullying.

Nikki Allinson
Nikki Allinson, a student starting a new school, was one of the few Jews in a Connecticut town. A group of students singled her out, making anti-Jewish jokes and disparaging references.  Nikki refused to be a passive victim.

David Aponte
Starting in middle school, David was challenged about everything that defined him – his religion, his height and his abilities in the classroom. Learn how David learned to get back his self-respect and to help others.  

STRATEGIES TO RESPOND TO BULLYING AND CYBERBULLYING

Be An Ally: Six Simple Ways

What Can Be Done About Name-calling

Take A Stand: A Student's Guide to Stopping Name-calling and Bullying

Zero Indifference: A Guide to Stop Name-calling & Bullying

Misdirections in Bullying Prevention and Intervention

Ten Things Students Wish Teachers Knew about Name-calling & Bullying

Responding to Cyberbullying: Tips

Internet Safety Strategies for Students

Confronting Hate Speech Online

Responding to Cyberhate: Toolkit for Action


ADL ADVOCACY

The League advocates at the state and local level for:

• Comprehensive bullying prevention policies in schools.



• The adoption of state bullying prevention laws, based on the ADL Model Cyberbullying Prevention Statute.



• Raising awareness through local action.

ADL Statements:

ADL Recommendations to Federal Agencies for Federal Bullying Prevention Summit

ADL Comments on Justice Department Plan to Address Cyberbullying



For more information or to schedule a program in your school or community, contact your local ADL Regional Office or e-mail cyberbullying@adl.org.