15.1

Violent behavior is the intentional use of actions or words that cause or threaten to cause harm to someone or something.
It can be physical, emotional, or psychological, and can result in injury or harm to a person's social, mental, or emotional health.

Individual:
- Mental or emotional state (e.g. frustration, low self-esteem)
- Lack of control over behavior and anger
- Desire for gain or retaliation
- Exposure to violence, abuse, and conflict
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
- Rejection of social values and institutions
- Immaturity
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Stressful life events
- Physical or mental health condition
Family:
- Overly strict, lenient, or inconsistent discipline
- Violent behavior in the home
- Poor supervision from adults
- Low level of involvement from parents and guardians
- Lack of attachment to parents and guardians
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs in the family
- Criminal activity in the family
- Availability of weapons in the home
Peer and Social Interactions:
- Rejection by peers
- Bullying
- Violent behavior among peers
- Peer pressure
- Little interest or involvement in school activities
- Participation in gangs
- Poor academic performance
Community:
- Lack of economic opportunities
- Poverty
- Lack of community groups and social services
- Lack of recreational opportunities
- Violent behavior in the community
- High crime and unemployment rates
- Availability of weapons in the community
- Lack of healthy families in the community
- High rate of families leaving the community

Definition: Bullying is a type of aggressive behavior toward someone that causes injury or discomfort.
Types of Bullying:
- Physical (e.g. hitting, pushing, cornering)
- Emotional (e.g. ridiculing, mocking, spreading rumors)
- Social (e.g. excluding, spreading gossip, sharing secrets)
Effects of Bullying:
- Physical (e.g. injury, stress-related symptoms)
- Mental and emotional (e.g. anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem)
- Social and academic (e.g. skipping school, trouble concentrating, difficulty making friends)

Definition: Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that uses electronic communication.
Types of Cyberbullying:
- Embarrassing messages or photos
- Excluding people from online groups
- Harassment or stalking
- Impersonation (e.g. stealing passwords, posting personal information)
- Catfishing (e.g. pretending to be someone else to trick someone into a fake relationship)
Effects of Cyberbullying:
- Physical (e.g. headaches, little appetite, digestive conditions)
- Mental and emotional (e.g. anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem)
- Social and academic (e.g. withdrawing from friends, social activities, and school)

Being an Upstander and Ally:
- Recognize when behavior is wrong and take steps to intervene
- Confront the person bullying others
- Disrupt the situation
- Recruit allies
- Report incidents to authorities
Strategies for Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying:
- Address underlying issues (e.g. insecurities, low self-esteem)
- Practice empathy and build healthy relationships
- Get help if needed
- Educate others about the effects of bullying and cyberbullying### Responding to Bullying
Support the person being bullied by making them aware that the violent behavior is the fault of the bully.
Offer social support and assist the person in getting help if needed.

Block the person contacting you and do not respond to their messages.
Save or screenshot evidence of cyberbullying, such as text messages, videos, or photos.
Report cyberbullying to your school, Internet service provider (ISP), cell phone provider, or the police.
Communicate with a trusted adult, such as a parent or guardian, about the cyberbullying.
If you see someone being cyberbullied, report it to an adult.

Participate in school programs that focus on preventing bullying and cyberbullying.
Take action on your own to prevent bullying and cyberbullying among your peers.

Developing self-confidence can help reduce the risk of being bullied.
Being confident in yourself can keep away bullies and help you stand up for others.

Recognize the signs of bullying, such as using words or actions to hurt others.
Stop and think if you notice yourself being mean to others.
Find alternative activities to vent your feelings instead of hurting someone else.
Apologize to someone if you have bullied them in the past.

Recognize that people differ in their backgrounds, interests, and experiences.
Appreciating differences and diversity can create a positive environment.
Creating safe zones in schools can provide a safe and supported space for students.

Building relationships with people who share your values and treat all students with respect can help prevent bullying.
Develop friendships with people who like you for who you are.
Treat others how you would want someone to treat you or your best friend.