In 2005, the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported 21.9% of males and 26.1% of females were bullied in schools. Little research has been conducted into showing an association between childhood bully victimization and risky behaviors. In addition, knowledge is limited about the connection between victimization and risky behaviors among different ethnic groups. We propose to assess the association between victimization and risky behaviors, using the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey among 3,116 students in grades 9 through 12 in 2007. Data was obtained by self-administered questionnaire, and victimization was considered as a single dichotomous variable. Victimization was assessed as a dichotomous variable. Risky behaviors (smoking, alcohol use, marijuana use, unprotected sex and weapon violence) were measured using several questions regarding frequency and initial age of use. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between bullying and risky behavior, and then the results were stratified with ethnic background (White, Hispanic and other) to assess possible effect modification. Results show that victims are more likely to have engaged in risky behaviors before the age of 13 and are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors while at school. Significant ethnic differences in the relation between bully victimization and risk behaviors were not generally observed; however, non-White bully victims were generally at greater risk for all risky behaviors than Whites. These findings will help provide information on factors that may be used to identify at-risk children, and to target adjust existing interventions with bullying and victims to improve efficacy.

In today's schools bullies have the power to be more tenacious, more vicious, and meaner than ever. We are all beginning to understand that victims of bullying are at a greater risk for depression, suicide, and hurting others through violent acts. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate common threads of effective Bully-Free School Zone character education programs as perceived by administrators, teachers, and parents in five middle schools in Western North Carolina. Through this strategic inquiry, I attempted to determine if the views of administrators, teachers, and parents were consistent with published research on anti-bullying programs. Specifically, the study focused on views of administrators, teachers, and parents of middle school students in grades five through eight by examining perceptions of the impact of bullying on students' safety. Participants shared their concerns about barriers to discipline programs and how school personnel and parents can contribute to a safer and more productive environment. The study was conducted in five middle schools in Western North Carolina. All participants were interviewed and asked open-ended questions during a three-week period in the spring of 2004. The study supports the hypothesis that well disciplined and productive anti-bullying programs are not products of good luck or chance; they result from efforts made by caring administrators, teachers, parents, and students. All stakeholders should have an interest in changing behaviors that lead to aggressive and violent acts. Exerting extra efforts toward minimizing disruptions and providing safer schools requires a team effort in working toward a common goal that students enter the building each day excited, enthused, and looking forward to their school day.

Bullying is a serious issue that exists not only in the United States but in other countries as well. There are significant, and often devastating, implications for both the bully and the victim. This research focused on the perspectives of teachers, principals, and counselors related to bullying in two elementary schools in Utah and Mexico. Through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions and archival records, this qualitative study explored different perspectives on bullying found in two schools exhibiting approximately the same student and teacher demographics. Interviews with teachers, counselors and principals allowed for comparison of differences and similarities between both locations. Consistent themes developed throughout the study regarding the issue of bullying and how it was addressed differently at each site. Many of these differences stemmed from three main elements. The main elements that emerged were the contrast in training that was provided to teachers, the role of the principal, and the support for educators practicing the strategies they were taught. In addition, differences were also found in the understanding of the law and policies surrounding bullying.

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Shortly after his inauguration in 2009, President Barack Obama set to work on health care reform. Little more than a year later the President signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which achieved a goal of so many previous administrations, into law. In order to encourage the passage of health care reform, Obama promoted a health care crisis in America. This study examines the President's rhetoric surrounding the health care crisis in order to explore the characteristics of a potential sub-genre of presidential discourse—domestic promoted crisis. Textual analysis of the President's remarks on health care revealed five strategies used in order to promote this crisis to the American people and encourage legislation to resolve it. In addition to characteristics, the concept of promotion of crises is discussed. / Master of Arts

The American bully is a relatively new breed of dog, originating in United States of America and has in recent years increased in popularity in Sweden. It is an extension of the American Pitbull terrier, and is often described by breeders and owners as a gentle and friendly companion dog. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the breed and its description by reviewing legal cases and advertisements. I also reviewed information from the Swedish Board of Agriculture regarding registrations of the breed to examine how common it is in Sweden. The American Bully breed has increased with around 1000 dogs per year, and in 2023 there were 5538 dogs registered in as dogs of American Bully breed. Dogs of American Bully breed change owners over eight times more often than dogs in general in Sweden, making the breed overrepresented when it comes to ownership changes. The breed is the second most common dog breed to change ownership in the dog registry, with only mixed breed having more ownership changes. Changed circumstances in the family was the most commonly reason given in advertisements for rehoming of an American Bully dog. Breeders of American Bully describe their dogs with regard of their appearance and bloodlines instead of mentality and behaviour, and market the breed as an excellent family dog. The results of this study show that dogs of American Bully breed have caused injuries to both adults and children by attacking and biting them seemingly unprovoked. My conclusion of the American Bully breed is that it is a powerful and muscular breed of dog that is wrongly marketed as a lazy companion dog. More studies are needed with regard to the breeds health and behaviour. A breeding program from the American Bully clubs could be a possible way to correct the current problems regarding health and aggressive behaviour in the breed.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, 2010. / Title from screen (viewed on May 3, 2010). School of Social Work, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Advisor(s): Margaret E. Adamek, Valerie N. Chang, Nancy Chism, Rebecca S. Sloan, Lorraine Blackman, Matthew C. Aalsma. Includes vitae. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 216-241).