Bully Free Zone

New Jersey Anti Bullying Bill of rights The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights provides a strong and thorough definition of bullying. The bill’s definition not only describes bullying as a harmful action towards another student, but as any act that infringes on a student’s rights at school. In addition to defining bullying more clearly, the bill requires that every public school, including higher education institutions, report all cases of bullying. Verbal reports must be given to principals on the day of an observed incident and a written report must be provided within two days. Families must be notified, as well as the superintendent of schools, and an investigation must take place within ten days of the incident. Schools must also have a plan that outlines how they will address bullying and all teachers and administrators must be trained to identify and respond to bullying.[1] In addition to ensuring that schools are prepared to recognize and report bullying, the Anti- Bullying Bill of Rights also takes steps to ensure that schools are creating a positive environment for students. The law requires that every school have an anti-bullying specialist and a school safety team. These individuals must work to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. In addition, the first week in October has been designated as the “Week of Respect”. During this week, schools are asked to teach about intimidation and harassment in order to make students more aware of the causes and effects of bullying.[1]

What is Bullying? Aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power. *The state of NJ states that it can be one event, does not have to be repeated over time.

What is conflict? A natural part of development, it may be defined as a struggle or contest between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values or goals.

Bullying Vs Conflict Bullying Conflict/fighting Bullying Between friends/equals Accidental/not planned No serious lasting harm Equal emotional reaction Not for domination Often a sense of remorse May try to solve problem Imbalance of power Intentional Physical/emotional harm Unequal emotional reaction Seeking control No remorse-blames target No effort to solve problem

Is it Bullying? What is it? TEASING Everyone is having fun No one is getting hurt Everyone is participating equally CONFLICT No one is having fun There is a possible solution to the disagreement Equal balance of power MEAN MOMENT Someone is being hurt on purpose Reaction to a strong feeling or emotion An isolated event (does not happen regularly) BULLYING Attacked physically, socially or emotionally Unequal balance of power

School Responsibility All inappropriate behavior will be addressed by the school whether it be a conflict, meant moment, teasing or bullying. When a parent or child uses the word “bullying” an HIB investigation must proceed. The state of NJ has a very narrow definition of bullying, most inappropriate behavior does not meet the state definition because there must be a distinguishing characteristic and an imbalance of power. The goal of our school is to create a climate where all students feel safe and able to speak to teachers, counselors, principal and other staff about any concerns they have.

WHAT CAN WE DO? Take the time and talk to your children every day and ask how their day goes and really pay attention. Eat dinner together, play a game, Turn off your phones . Encourage children to “Talk, Walk and Tell an Adult.” Talk to your friend, tell them you don't like what they are doing. Walk: If talking doesn't work, walk away from the situation/person, find something else to do, someone/something else to play with. Tell the Teacher: If talking and walking do not work, if the person is insistent on giving you a hard time, then get an adult who has some authority involved. Working together is the only way to create a positive school environment, talk to your students’ teacher, principal or guidance counselor about concerns for your child. Educating children how to communicate appropriately, effectively and respectfully is something school staff and family can do to prevent bullying.

Social Media Popular sites among our students: YouTube, Mucial.ly, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit Game Apps Tips for Social Media: Establish family rules (contract) Never “friend” a person you don’t know Explore sites and apps with your child and create a dialogue about how to use social media. Encourage your children to follow the golden rule, “If you don’t have anything nice to say , don’t say anything at all.” More information provided on handout.