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Myth –
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Bullying is just a stage that kids go through at school. We all went through it and were fine.
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Fact –
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Bullying is unacceptable behaviour. It can have long-lasting, negative effects on everyone involved.
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Myth –
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Bullying is a ‘kids’ issue’. Parents, carers and teachers should just let kids sort it out.
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Fact –
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Bullying is not just a kids’ issue and can be very harmful. Kids often don’t have the skills or experience to work out how to effectively respond to bullying themselves; adults should get involved and try to help.
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Myth –
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Bullying is the same as a fight.
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Fact –
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Bullying is different: it is repeated aggressive behaviour, often premeditated, and it involves an imbalance of power or strength.
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Myth –
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Most bullying is physical (smashing, hitting, and throwing things at someone).
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Fact –
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Physical bullying is one type of bullying. However, the most common form of bullying, both for boys and girls, is teasing, name-calling and rumour spreading. It is also common for youth to bully each other socially (e.g. shunning or leaving a child out on purpose).
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Myth –
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Bullied kids need to learn how to deal with bullying on their own.
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Fact –
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Some children have the confidence and skills to stop bullying when it happens, but many do not. Children shouldn’t be expected to deal with bullying on their own.
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Myth –
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You should stand up for yourself and hit back when you are bullied.
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Fact –
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Hitting back usually makes the bullying worse and increases the risk of serious harm. Students should ask an adult for help if they are bullied.
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Myth –
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The best way to deal with a student who bullies others is to use punishment.
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Fact –
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Research has found that students who frequently bully others usually have serious mental, social and/or emotional issues. These students need to face the consequences of their actions, but they also need support to change their behaviour.
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