Bullying in the Media

Assignment: Bullying in the Media Find 2 examples of bullying portrayed in the media

● One example from TV shows, movies, videos, news. ● One example from a news report of a bullying incident.

Example #1 – TV show, movie or video: Review and include the following in your writing:

● Include name of show & brief description of the storyline. ● List show details – which network produces the show? Date/time

show airs? Popularity of the show? Target audience? ● Discuss how bullying is portrayed in the program. ● Is the bystander effect included in the story/program? ● Is the depiction of bullying situations realistic?

○ Include specific storylines used. ● Do you note use of stereotyping? Provide examples of characters. ● Are characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation and

interests used to marginalize cast members? ● Is bullying used as a humorous plot device meant to simply entertain

the audience? ○ What do you think of this portrayal of bullying?

● Does the program feature a significant challenge to a bully and his/her message? Explain some specific examples.

● What do you believe the impact these shows have on bullying and society’s perception?

Example #2 – News Report of Bullying Incident ● Include name of news program or media source & brief description

of the story. ● Media outlet details – network producing the program? Does the

media outlet have a slant in coverage (left or right?) ● Discuss how bullying is portrayed in the report. ● Is the bystander effect part of this news story? Explain how.

● Is the depiction of bullying situation exaggerated? Downplayed? ● How is the bully described? How is the victim described? ● Do you note any stereotyping? Provide examples. ● Are characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation and

interests used in reporting the story? ● Do you believe the coverage of the story is accurate and sufficient? ● Should the report have included more or less information? ● Does the report include any other bullying situations? ● Compare news report coverage of bullying to the depiction in the TV,

movie, video you selected. ● What do you believe the impact this news story has on bullying and

society’s perception? Draft your assignment in a Word doc and upload to BB or create directly in BB (if you opt to create in BB, I suggest you copy/paste the text and save a copy in your computer. It’s a good idea in case of any technical issues with BB. ) I’m looking for 500+ words. Use full sentences. Be sure to proofread before submitting (spelling and grammar matter … this is a journalism class!) Assignment points = 50 points Due date = Tuesday, Oct. 15 @ midnight