JRN

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 the 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 = Sunday, March 1 @ midnight