SPOT on Bullying

SPOT on Bullying banner
Physical. Verbal. Cyber. Bullying comes in many forms, and from who can often surprise us.

Bullying and cyber bullying is a consistent and troubling issue on and off campus. The Center for Disease Control states one in five students will be bullied, and is a major factor in teen suicide.

From SPOT 127, teenagers across the Phoenix valley break down how to identify, avoid and recover from bullying. Explore their podcasts, videos and multimedia storytelling here.

SPOT On Bullying is supported by a grant from the Aetna Foundation as part of their Cultivating Healthy Communities: Bullying/Cyberbullying Peer-to-Peer Prevention Campaign. The pieces presented were produced in collaboration with community partners who focus on bullying prevention like The CASA Center for Positive Social Change and Teen Lifeline.

What is Bullying Today?
Some bullying looks like what it’s always looked like, but with technology and increased diversity, bullying has a whole new set of looks and actions. These stories share what bullying for teens looks like today, and how it’s much more complex than just getting picked on.

Self Bullying

In a series of interviews, teens open up about their insecurities and self-doubts and where those thoughts come from.

Video by Clarissa Yosick

Bullying in Special Education: Breaking Minds, Breaking Laws

Students with a disability are two to three times more likely to get bullied as opposed to students who are not. A special education teacher, attorney and a SPOT 127 production assistant discuss the legal side of bullying amongst students with special needs, as well as solutions.

Podcast by Caroline Smyrk

Puzzle pieces with words - Once the bullying occurs, it's no longer just in their head, it's now an outward fear.
Bullying in Special Education: Breaking Minds, Breaking Laws
Podcast by Caroline Smyrk
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Freedom of Speech Vs Bullying

Three high school students in Phoenix, Arizona draw the line between teen bullying and the First Amendment: The Freedom of Speech.

Podcast Hosted By Liz Taserak with guests Liz Katheder, Caroline Smyrk, and Aly Rosalez

Four SPOT students in the studio interviewing each other.
Freedom of Speech Vs Bullying
Podcast Hosted By Liz Taserak with guests Liz Katheder, Caroline Smyrk, and Aly Rosalez
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The Problems With Cyberbullying and Why it Happens

“A lot of cyber and social bullies have problems with self-esteem.” This podcast discusses why cyber-bullies harass others and why cyberbullying is allowed to happen without consequences and how we can address cyberbullying.

Podcast Hosted by Kamau Muhammad with guests Kadin and Hector

Girl sitting at a table on her cell phone
The Problems With Cyberbullying and Why it Happens
Kamau Muhammad with guests Kadin and Hector
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Hazing: Bullying on the Same Team

Teens share their experiences on the topic of hazing and how it relates to bullying. They talk through the effects of hazing and how one can address the issue.

Podcast Hosted By Jimmy Dao with guests Loreto, Isaac, and Alex

Young man seated and crying with his hand over his face
Hazing: Bullying on the Same Team
Podcast Hosted By Jimmy Dao with guests Loreto, Isaac, and Alex
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Social Bullying

The host and guests talk about times when rumors were spread about themselves and how this made them feel. This includes how things that make them different like religious beliefs or personality traits often lead to them feeling uncomfortable and people treating them differently.

Podcast hosted by Hector Jaquez with guests Kamau and Basimah Muhammad

Three hands with fingers pointed at a young man with his back to them
Social Bullying
Podcast hosted by Hector Jaquez with guests Kamau and Basimah Muhammad
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Verbal Bullying: Insulting People for Being Different

Though many people face physical and mental abuse while dealing with bullying, an often overlooked, yet extremely common experience is verbal bullying. How common is verbal bullying and how do insults to one’s appearance or identity affect them?

Podcast by Xander Billie with guests Zack, Ezra and Isaac

Young man speaking loudly at a young girl
Verbal Bullying: Insulting People for Being Different
Podcast by Xander Billie with guests Zack, Ezra and Isaac
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Root Causes
No one is born a bully. Nor do people wake up in the morning thinking “I’m going to be a bully today.” But, sometimes people are pushed in directions to make choices that act as bullying. These stories discuss root causes and issues that drive some to bully.

Gender Based Bullying

There are differences in the way boys and girls bully people within their own gender and outside of it. Girls tend to do more relational bullying and attack in groups and boys tend to go for a more physical approach and bully more one-on-one.

Video by Kate Ourada and Isabella Orta

The Stress of Being A Teen

School stress has definitely increased for high school students and even junior high students There is so much pressure and oftentimes people don’t sleep as much or they don’t take care of themselves as much so that can have a toll on your emotional well-being.

Video by Chloe Stephenson-Brown

Watch and Repeat? Learning Bullying from YouTube

This podcast explores the impacts of YouTube celebrities like Logan and discusses whether or not YouTube is teaching children how to bully. Also, do parents have any idea what their children are watching on YouTube and should YouTube stars should be held responsible for violent acts inspired by their videos?

Podcast with host John Mark Bogart and guests Laura Lozano, Ubaldo Ruiz and Yasli Reyes

Young person seated at their computer
Watch and Repeat? Learning Bullying from YouTube
Podcast with host John Mark Bogart and guests Laura Lozano, Ubaldo Ruiz and Yasli Reyes
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Bullying From Racism

Teens discuss how to look out for bullying that is stemming from racism. They also discuss how to defuse racist jokes that can lead to bullying. By stopping a negative attitude of your peers, you can help stop racism and bullying.

Podcast hosted by Mavett Medrano with guests Michelle and Arleth

Group of three young women pointing at young woman with her back to them
Bullying From Racism
Podcast hosted by Mavett Medrano with guests Michelle and Arleth
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Why Bullies Bully

Bullying is a hot topic on everyone’s minds, but often times, people glance over the feelings of the bully. This video is about understanding the side of the bully. We want to focus on what caused them to start, how can they recognize their own behavior, and where can they go for help to overcome these negative behaviors. People focus more on the victim in bullying cases, but no one ever realizes that a bully can also be the victim too.

Video by Chloe Stephenson-Brown

Bullied Into A Relationship

Bullying is usually seen as a callous interactions between two foes. Alternatively, romantic relationships are viewed as wholesome and nurturing. Unfortunately, there are times where the person you are in a relationship with is your bully. In this podcast, the guests discuss red flags and ways to escape these controlling relationships.

Podcast hosted by Emma Berry with guests Joshua, Jada and Monet.

A couple seated on a couch, the female has her back to the male, they both look upset
Bullied Into A Relationship
Podcast hosted by Emma Berry with guests Joshua, Emma, and Monet.
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Is it Teasing or Bullying?

Friendships are the bonds that tie us together. But what happens when the friendship turns to teasing and potential bullying? Know the differences between teasing and bullying and what can be done about the friendship.

Podcast hosted by Monet Almaraz

A young woman is cowering in a corner and another young woman is standing with arms akimbo
Is it Teasing or Bullying?
Podcast hosted by Monet Almaraz
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Teens Bullied in Poverty

Being bullied is hard enough. But being bullied because you are poor pairs two tough situations together. SPOT teens will discuss what they and others have gone through in this situation and why less fortunate teens may get picked on more than their better-off peers.

Podcast hosted by Alexander Parra with guests Jimmy, Isaac and Loreto

Cropped image of person seated, their hands holding their legs folded
Teens Bullied in Poverty
Podcast hosted by Alexander Parra with guests Jimmy, Isaac and Loreto
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Different Perspectives
Different experiences, ages and backgrounds make us all look at bullying differently. While we can all agree that bullying is not good, we can often see and interpret bullying and its effects differently, making solutions a bit more challenging.

Self-Bullying: An Elder Perspective

"Self-esteem grows when you grow as a person, not so much just focus on yourself and your feelings all the time." Listening to the perspective of a senior citizen with years of life experience can be beneficial to young people who often face struggles like bullying in their life.

Video by Jacob Boenzi

An Elementary School Perspective on High School Problems

“Stay strong and continue finding and exploring life because it can get better if you continue to try.” Self-esteem issues arise once a child leaves their imagination behind and enters the reality of their teenage years.

Video by Sofia Chung

Conflict vs Bullying for Parents and Teachers

Using kinetic typography, this multimedia piece offers simple graphics for ways to notice cyberbullying situations. Once one can notice them, the video dives into solutions to help parents and teachers to keep students from being victims of bullying.

Video by Olivia Parker

Conflict vs Bullying: Solutions for Students

Using kinetic typography, this multimedia video describes the differences between a conflict and a bullying situation. Using methods by Rhonda Orr, the video explains solutions for students who have experienced these symptoms or situations.

Video by Olivia Parker

How do Artists Express Bullying?

Artists have the power to represent issues in ways to shed new light and offer new perspectives, including bullying. People can be greatly affected by the way artists choose to show the turmoil of bullying through their graphics, music, and words.

Podcast hosted by Arleth Tovar with guests Movett and Michelle

Illustration of youth, head down, with words inscribed in silhouette: Hopeless, selfish, careless, no good, bad, unlovable, worthless, ugly, stupid
How do Artists Express Bullying?
Podcast hosted by Arleth Tovar with guests Movett and Michelle
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Adopting A Defensive Mental Change

The Host discusses Bullyings effect on mental health. More specifically how it affects the way they see, and perceive everyday life Bullying can damage a person how they think feel and act. Why do victims go through a defensive mental change?

Podcast hosted by Ezra Miller with guests Isaac, Xander, Zack

Illustration of a human brain with words inscribed within
Adopting A Defensive Mental Change
Podcast hosted by Ezra Miller with guests Isaac, Xander, Zack
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Power of the Bully and the Bullied

Do we give power to our bullies? What power to we keep? In this podcast, we try to get into the mind of the bully, but also share what other students feel as to why a bully holds such power.

Podcast hosted by Laura Lozano with guests Yaslie, Ubaldo and John Mark

Young man cowering in a corner
Power of the Bully and the Bullied
Podcast hosted by Laura Lozano with guests Yaslie, Ubaldo and John Mark
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Prevention and Stepping In
Different experiences, ages and backgrounds make us all look at bullying differently. While we can all agree that bullying is not good, we can often see and interpret bullying and its effects differently, making solutions a bit more challenging.

Eliminating Bullying, Empowering Teens

“How do you think bullying affects a teens future?” This podcast takes on the topic of bullying and how teens have the power to eliminate the toxic mindset that it stems from.

Podcast hosted by Basimah Muhammad with guests Daniel and Sonia

Group of young people cheering
Eliminating Bullying, Empowering Teens
Podcast hosted by Basimah Muhammad with guests Daniel and Sonia
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Preventing the Erase

"If you let the bad air get to you, you will end up being a dry and meaningless version of your previous self." Comparing bullying to markers and how the colors and textures of these markers relate to bullying as a sort of euphemism.

Video by Alex Marin

Take Bullying Into Your Own Hands

How might you turn the tables on a bully? This podcast discusses three different ways bullying takes place. How can you identify each form, and what can be done to counteract them?

Podcast hosted by Kadin with guests Franco and Kamau

Hands holding dynamite explosive device near a computer keyboard
Take Bullying Into Your Own Hands
Podcast hosted by Kadin with guests Franco and Kamau
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Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT Students

In some schools, being LGBT can be a challenge with different viewpoints of same-sex relationships from the community. In this podcast, we discuss whether or not homosexual students are being treated fairly and how can we make a safe place for the LGBT community within our schools.

Podcast hosted by Isaac De Jesus with guests Loreto, Jimmy, and Alex

Rainbow flag close up
Creating Safe Spaces for LGBT Students
Podcast hosted by Isaac De Jesus with guests Loreto, Jimmy, and Alex
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A Teacher's Involvement in Bullying

“We have seen that teachers are having a difficult time helping their students with bullying due to the lack of knowledge of the topic.” Teachers need of help on how to better help students who are being bullied. Our focus is on cyber bullying and we have some suggestions of what to do.

Video by Xavier Martinez and Aryanna Acosta

Beware the Mob Mentality

While bullying can be between one individual and another, many times people tend to gang up on someone. This podcast digs into the mob mentality that can occur in bullying. What is it? How do they form? And how do you protect yourself from a mob mentality both in person and online?

Podcast hosted by Isaac Gallardo with guests Xander, Zack, and Ezra

Group of youth walking together
Beware the Mob Mentality
Podcast hosted by Isaac Gallardo with guests Xander, Zack, and Ezra
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What If Your Friends Are Bullying?

There are many cases where one is indirectly bullied but most people don’t realize it. Others consider bullying to be anything that causes physical harm. Either or, sometimes bullying may not be from a “bully”, rather from those that you are closest to.

Video by Anthony Lujan and Lacey Smith

Consequences
The effects of bullying can often last long after an act of bullying ends, from physical injuries, emotional trauma, or heightened acts of retaliation. These stories dig into some of what happens after bullying takes place.

To Post Or Not To Post

Taking and posting a picture or selfie is supposed to be a fun method of expression. Yet, it is something that can become dangerous to teenagers’ mental and emotional state. Production Assistant Gisselle Loera walks through the reinforcing feedback loop that comes with taking a selfie, and explores the psychological connection between selfies and cyber-bullying.

Video by Gisselle Loera

How Bullying Impacts LGBT+ Youth

A majority of LGBT+ youth deal with bullying on a daily basis. Most often, they are bullied because others do not understand them and therefore think that they are weird. This video describes the bullying that many LGBT+ teens face, why they face it, and how to stop it.

Video by Kate Ourada And Autumn McElvogue

Witness to Self Harm

Discovering the self-abuse of someone in your life can be a major shock. It can change the way you perceives people and even go so far as to change the way you treat people in your everyday life. Isabella tells her story of how she witnessed a girl at school harming herself and how it has changed her life in a positive way.

Podcast by Sierra Genenbacher

Bandaid on person's skin
Witness to Self Harm
Podcast by Sierra Genenbacher
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Extreme Consequences of Bullying

While suicide is seen as the most extreme consequence of suicide, there are plenty others that don’t get as much attention. This video discusses the more long term effects of bullying, such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and self harm. Then, it gives advice for parents to be supportive and discuss the issue as the first step to helping the victim.

Video by Penelope Foy and Lacey Smith

School Shootings Often Start With Bullying

Bullying victims need to be able to accept help from others and be open to improvement rather than shutting themselves out from the rest of the world. Otherwise, they may put others in dangerous positions like school shootings and threatening lives. This video discusses the after effects of these tragedies and how they affect teens physically and mentally.

Video by Armando Saenz and Isaac Gonzalez

People Spreading Rumors PSA

“Did you guys even try to check the validity of the rumors? Right. I highly advise you stop being jerks and start spreading some positivity.” Rumor spreading and peer pressure are forms of bullying. This PSA gives an example of how rumors hurt, and how you can do your part and help it end.

Video by Kamau Muhammad

Resources
There are plenty of resources for those who are being bullied, and they are as diverse as bullying has become. Yet, sometimes we don’t know where to look for help. Here are some stories breaking down some of the help you can get.

Peer Mentors: Community Against Bullying

Bullying can have long lasting effects, so programs like ASU’s Peer Mentors create hope for those who have struggled in the past. They act as a confidant to first year students in order to help their transition. One Peer Mentor shares their experience and how they are equipped to help with many situations.

Podcast by Samantha Lee

Illustration of group of people being held by human hands
Peer Mentors: Community Against Bullying
Podcast by Samantha Lee
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Kill Them With Kindness

There have been countless campaigns dedicated to stopping the spread of bullying, but many are finding that a more effective solution may be to focus more on the promotion of positive social behaviors. What are some ways that the community can show kids to be good to each other, as well as themselves?

Podcast hosted by Daniel Sampedro with guest Basimah Muhammad and Franco Marina

Person holding up a finger to the viewer as if to say 'no'
Kill Them With Kindness
Podcast hosted by Daniel Sampedro with guest Basimah Muhammad and Franco Marina
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Regaining Self-Confidence After Being Bullied

This topic revolves around 14-year-old Naomi Johnson from Alaska. She brutally gets beaten up by her “best friends” and unwillingly leaves her school. Some time later, a jiu-jitsu duo offers to teach her to defend herself. As she learns self-defense, she regains her self-confidence, proving that any bullying victim can recover themselves after being bullied.

Video by Yurisa Cid and Marcus Bravo

To Care and Love Yourself When Bullied

Even with many resources available to victims of bullying, it is critical that the victim have self preservation of their mental and physical health. In this podcast, teens discuss how to practice self care when enduring and overcoming bullying to bring out the best version of themselves.

Podcast with host Ubaldo Ruiz and guests Laura Lozano, John Mark Bogart and Yasli Reyes

Young man portrait with hands superimposed over his face
To Care and Love Yourself When Bullied
Podcast with host Ubaldo Ruiz and guests Laura Lozano, John Mark Bogart and Yasli Reyes
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Reaching Out with ReachOut.com

How can a teenager seek help while preserving anonymity? In this podcast, students discuss what online resources are available for people seeking assistance with bullying and other personal challenges, such as Reachout.com, as well as the positives and negatives of utilizing them.

Podcast by Sophia Hackett

Girl sitting at computer with her hands over her face looking upset
Reaching Out with ReachOut.com
Podcast by Sophia Hackett
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