STEP 3: ACTION

What Is Bullying?

The following exercise will help you recognize the key elements of bullying and to develop a common understanding of the problem presented in Steps 1 and 2 of Module 1.

The exercise is intended to help better understand the views young people have about bullying.

Your task is as follows:

First: Write a definition of bullying in your own words.
(Number of words recommended: 150)

Second: Ask your child or children to develop their own definition of bullying and write in their own words, in plain language.
(Number of words recommended: 150)

SUGGESTIONS FOR ENCOURAGING CHILDREN AND TEENS TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS:

  • Beginning the discussion by inviting the young person to share their ideas, rather than offering your own definition or that of another person.
  • Letting children and teens use their own words. Resist the temptation to correct their grammar, syntax, style and spelling errors.
  • Asking them why, according to them, it is important to have a definition of bullying.
  • Allowing them to discuss the issue in general. It is likely that the subject of bullying will spark a lot of discussion.

Third: Compare the two definitions (yours and your children’s) and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are the definitions different? If yes, in what way?
  • Do your children seem to see bullying from a different perspective?
  • Looking at the two definitions, what are the key elements of bullying?