TV bullies
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=266
A lesson plan for grade 8
In this Science Update, students explore several factors that have been identified as influencing a child’s chance of becoming a bully. According to University of Washington public health professor Fred Zimmerman, four-year-old children who watch a lot of television are more likely to become bullies later in life. Although the study didn’t monitor the types of programs children were watching, Zimmerman warns that exposure to even cartoon violence can be a bad influence. The important focus of this study is determining which children are bullies. The parents were asked at each visit if their child had bullied anyone recently. Although some parents may have lied or not known about their child’s behavior, Zimmerman says this method appears fairly reliable. That is, the percentage of parents who report their children as bullies is about the same as the percentage reported by others, such as teachers, researchers, or kids themselves. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in discussion about ways to scientifically measure “emotional support” and “intellectual stimulation” and how to interpret the results of the study. This activity also contains a link to a lesson about school violence from the New York Times Learning Network.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Healthful Living Education (2006)
Grade 8
- Goal 3: The learner will develop healthy and effective interpersonal communication and relationship skills.
- Objective 3.01: Analyze factors contributing to violent behaviors (bullying, hazing, dating violence, sexual assault, family violence, verbal abuse) and identify resources for seeking help.
