Bullied to Death

Almost everyone has an experience with bullying in his or her childhood. Some are bullied; others bully. It is looked upon as a rite of passage; a childhood ritual that is part of our formative years. But is bullying as benign as this implies? Or is it at the root of the problem of youth and school violence that has wracked the nation in recent years. With the events of Columbine and other school shootings fresh in American collective memory, is it time to take a serious look at bullying as a possible cause for these seemingly random acts of violence. Investigative Reports explores the causes and effects of bullying, and the possible connections between bullying and school violence. Bullied to Death would be useful for classes on American Culture, Criminal Justice, Ethics and Psychology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Objectives: Students will explore the reasons why children bully each other and the consequences of such behavior. They will examine the links between bullying and aggressive behavior and retaliation that can turn deadly. They will learn coping mechanisms and how to questions their own and/or peers' behavior.

• Chaotic
• Cower
• Elicit
• Epidemic
• Initiative
• Oblivion
• Paraphernalia
• Profanity
• Rampant
• Retaliate
• Ridicule
• Taunt

1. What is a bully? How do you define the term? Are there different kinds of bullies? 2. Many think that bullying or being bullied is a rite of passage. What is a rite of passage? Why do some people equate bullying with a rite of passage? What other events might qualify as rites of passages?

2. Many think that bullying or being bullied is a rite of passage. What is a rite of passage? Why do some people equate bullying with a rite of passage? What other events might qualify as rites of passages?

3. Rage and pain are two very intense human emotions. What is the connection between these two emotions? How can these emotions turn deadly?

4. What are some of the theories to explain why people bully?

5. Bullying is cruel and hurtful. Yet, it is accepted by our society as a part of childhood and adolescence. Why is it accepted by our culture?

6. The event at Columbine dominated the newspapers for weeks. What happened at Columbine? What role did bullying play in this event?

7. How did the event at Columbine affect the nation?

1. Research one of the events of school tragedies that have made the headlines in recent years. Why did this event happen? What role did bullying have in this event? How did this event affect the school and town where it happened?

2. Create a chart or poster illustrating ways in which to deal with bullying.

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Air Dates

• November 17, 2004