STEP UP, SPEAK OUT, END BULLYING

Public Service Announcement Contest

The Pima County Attorney’s Office In honor of National Crime Victims’

Rights Week: We want to find your solutions to bullying

and share them with Southern Arizona. We are inviting you to take part in our

Public Service Announcement contest by creating your own 30-second video PSA with the theme “Step Up, Speak Out, End Bullying.”

What is Bullying?

Bullying can take many forms: Verbal: name-calling, teasing Social: spreading rumors, leaving people

out on purpose, breaking up friendships  Physical: hitting, punching, shoving Cyberbullying: using the Internet, mobile

phones or other digital technologies to harm others

Who is involved?

3 People Involved in Bullying: Victim Bully Bystander

Bullying can happen anywhere: face-to-face, by text messages or on the web. It is not limited by age, gender, or education level. It is not a phase and it is not a joke. Bullying can cause lasting harm.

The Victim

Generally, children, teens and young adults who are bullied: Do not get along well with others Are less popular than others Have few to no friends Do not conform to gender norms Have low self esteem Are depressed or anxious

What Does Not Increase Risk

Location. There are no differences in rates of bullying for urban, suburban, or rural communities. Bullying happens everywhere.

School Size. The overall percentage of students being bullied does not vary based on school size, although bullying does happen more often in larger schools.

Gender. Boys and girls are just as likely to be involved in bullying. Forms of bullying may vary by gender; for instance, some research has found that girls are more likely to bully others socially.

The Bully

Some people who at risk for bullying others are well-connected to their peers, have social power, and at least one of the following: Are overly concerned

about their popularity Like to dominate or be in

charge of others

Effects of Bullying

Have higher risk of depression and anxiety, including the following symptoms, that may persist into adulthood: Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness Changes in sleep and eating patterns Loss of interest in activities

Have increased thoughts about suicide that may persist into adulthood.  In one study, adults who recalled being bullied in youth were 3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations.

Effects of Bullying

Are more likely to have health complaints.  In one study, being bullied was associated with physical health status 3 years later.

Have decreased academic achievement (GPA and standardized test scores) and school participation.

Are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school. Are more likely to retaliate through extremely

violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.

How can you help?

1) Knowledge: Understand what bullying is and its many forms. School anti-bullying policy Why it must be stopped – the harm it does

2) Attitudes: Being unprejudiced Being cooperative and empathetic Resisting negative group pressure Self-acceptance

3) Skills: How to be assertive and not aggressively Resolving differences constructively/conflict resolution Helping others who are being bullied

Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest

Details/Guidelines: Video/Film 30 seconds in length Display Logo “Fund for Civility/End Bullying) Must be SOLUTION focused NOT problem

Focused CANNOT suggest violence against bullies as

a solution

Submission

Video Submission beings at midnight, February 22nd and Ends March 31st

Upload Video through online process on PSA contest Page (www.endofbullying.com)

Approved Submissions will be posted on website All selected PSAs will be screened Awards winners will be announced at the event: Saturday, April 28, 2012 10 am to 12 noon

at the Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd

Categories and Awards

Age Based Categories: Elementary Middle School High School Adult

Grand Prize in each category will be selected by committee and will receive $300

Video will air on local TV and radio stations Various other awards and prizes