Views,Attitudes+and+Policies+on+Bullying

=How effective are school policies at preventing cyberbullying and preventing bullying due to sexual orientation? =

I. Description of Problem or Issue
The problem our group has chosen to address in our project is the prevalence of various types of bullying children and young adults face in school settings. We are also analyzing the success or lack of thereof of various methods teachers and administrators have put into place to prevent bullying.

II. Research Summary


Ben's research found that even though there are many parents, teachers and administrators who want to take immediate and decisive action, his research has found that the attitude that bullying is just a normal part of academic life prevails amongst many teachers and administrators in schools throughout the country. His research also found that anti-bullying legislation passed by state governments does not bring about a reduction in bullying seen in schools. However, studies show encouraging results when properly developed anti-bullying programs are properly implemented.

Bri's research explored the reality of Cyberbullying in our schools today, and how modern technological advances are making it even easier to bully and be bullied. Through Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Instant Messaging, text messaging, and even Black Berry Instant Messenger (BBM), students are hiding behind technology in order to attack others. Her research concluded that Cyberbullying is a growing problem as our technological advances expand. Adolescents are using new technology at times when they are extremely sensitive to emotional and peer problems. Bri examined the different types of cyberbullying in full detail, as well as how gender roles play into the topic. Bri also discovered the alarming number of suicides and cases of depression associated with this form of bullying. ====Elexis's research found answers to the question "How safe do LGBT students feel in the school setting?" The research concluded that students do not feel safe or comfortable in school settings. LGBT students and teachers participate in tests that ask questions about their safety in their school setting. Far too many cases of LGBT bullying result in the death of the victim. ====

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Our research found that even though awareness and concern about bullying has increased, bullying of all kinds in schools remains a serious problem in our schools. Unfortunately, advances in communication technology have given bullies a new and more insidious medium through which to harass and victimize their peers. Cyberbullies are often able to remain unpunished due to the fact that the bully can remain anonymous while harassing their victim. Another major type of bullying that plagues our schools is bullying due to sexual orientation. The information we have found points to the fact that LGBT students are harassed and bullied at a much higher rate than students who are not LGBT. The harassment that LGBT students face in schools is often more severe than harassment faced by non LGBT students. This harassment often affects student’s performance in school and overall well being in a negative way. Our research also found that despite the fact that school shootings and the suicides of bullying victims have brought the issue of bullying to the national spotlight, the attitude that bullying is just part of life is an one that still prevails through much of society. This attitude prevents the problem of bullying in schools from getting the attention that it needs. Even though there are those who do not take bullying seriously, those who do are making strides to eliminate bullying. Programs and Legislation to put a stop to bullying in school have made some progress but there is still much work to be done.

IV. Visual Representation



 * V. Research Questions and Reference Summaries**
 * || Research Question || Researcher ||
 * 1. || What are current Administrator,Teacher and Parent Attitudes and Policies towards Bullying? || Ben ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">2. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">What are the causes and effects of cyberbullying? || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Bri ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">3. || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">In respect to bullying, how safe to LGBT students feel in the school setting? || <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Elexis ||