Pop Quiz

Which action is not helpful?

Answer: Saying that bullying is no big deal.

Bullying can have SHORT TERM and life-long implications for both the target and the person bullying. It can leave deep emotional and physical scars, interfere with educational achievement, and reduce self-esteem and confidence. Students who bully are more likely to commit crimes later in life. Bullying isn’t just teasing, or just kids being kids. It’s a social problem that requires a community response.

What is “person first” language?

Answer: Placing the person over their disability or difference

Person-first language involves prioritizing the personhood of an individual above any one individual characteristic. For example, you would say “a child with a disability” rather than “a disabled child.” By putting the person first, you acknowledge that one particular trait does not define him or her. This is to view them as a complex human being with many traits, talents, and desires. When someone is identified someone solely by a label or medical diagnosis, they are devalued as individuals.

Person first language can apply to other situations – as its important to describe what a person has, not what he or she is. For example, you would say “a man experiencing homelessness” rather than “a homeless man.”