| In our goal to rid our campuses of bullying, an area | | | | or spend a lot of time by themselves may be victims |
| that is often overlooked is PE classes. A lot of | | | | of verbal abuse. Teachers should also pay attention |
| bullying takes place during physical education class. | | | | to the different cliques that form. If a student or |
| Physical education teachers must take an active role | | | | group of students is suddenly spending time with a |
| in making sure the classes are properly monitored. | | | | student they usually do not spend time with, this |
| Many students who are victims of bullying are not | | | | could also be a sign that bullying is taking place. |
| athletically inclined. They may be physically weak, | | | | Often, teachers will unintentionally promote bullying |
| uncoordinated, and unable to defend themselves. For | | | | by allowing the students to choose their own teams |
| this reason, going to PE can be a horrifying part of | | | | or groups for an activity. Unfortunately, this happens |
| their day. | | | | frequently in PE classes. PE teachers will pick two |
| Bullies can sense the insecure demeanor of students | | | | captains, who are usually the most athletic or popular |
| and they will take advantage of this weakness. | | | | students and allow them to select the students they |
| During PE class, bullies will physically attack their | | | | want on their team. One by one the students will be |
| victims. Because of the aggressive nature of some | | | | chosen. For the more popular and athletic students, |
| PE activities, bullies can physically abuse other | | | | this is a great opportunity for them to feel good |
| students without any ramifications. PE teachers must | | | | about themselves. They know they will be picked in |
| be careful when choosing the types of activities the | | | | the early rounds. But, imagine what this must be like |
| students will participate in. By offering organized, | | | | for the less athletic and less popular students. This is |
| non-aggressive activities, PE teachers can help | | | | an extremely degrading experience. They stand there |
| prevent students from being victimized. | | | | just knowing they will be one of the last chosen. |
| Verbal abuse in PE class is also a concern. As I | | | | Their lack of self-confidence grows deeper with |
| mentioned earlier, students who are not athletic are | | | | every round. Inevitable, there will be two students |
| at a greater risk of being bullied. Students who are | | | | left, both of them praying they will not be the last |
| weak, overweight, or uncoordinated are prime | | | | one chosen. In reality, neither student will feel very |
| targets for verbal abuse during PE class. Sometimes, | | | | good about themselves. However, the student who |
| verbal abuse can be more painful than physical abuse. | | | | is chosen last will feel rejected, hurt, and |
| Being made fun of and teased is an extremely | | | | embarrassed. This is bullying! |
| degrading experience for children. By nature, victims | | | | PE teachers need to be on the lookout for bullying |
| of bullying are not very confident and being teased | | | | during class. Bullying does not take place only in the |
| on a daily basis will only solidify their belief that they | | | | hallways, bathrooms, and cafeteria. Bullying also |
| are not worthy of respect. | | | | happens during PE class. Our students must be |
| Since verbal abuse is much more covert than physical | | | | protected throughout the entire school day. By being |
| abuse, it is extremely difficult to detect. PE teachers | | | | vigilant, PE teachers can do their part in helping put a |
| will need to monitor their classes carefully and look | | | | stop to bullying. |
| for signs of verbal abuse. Students who seem upset | | | | |