Bullying

But it’s just part of growing up… Happens occasionally Accidental Not Serious Equal emotional reactions Happens repeatedly Done on purpose Serious - threat of physical harm or emotional hurt Strong emotional reaction by victim Natural Conflict Bullying

Continued… Natural Conflict Not seeking power or attention Not trying to get something Remorseful – takes responsibility Effort to solve the problem Bullying Seeking power or control Trying to gain material things or power No remorse – blames victim No effort to solve problem

Profile of a Bully Impulsive Quick-tempered Lacks empathy Rule-breaker Positive attitude toward violence in media Average to above average student Leadership ability

Bullies are likely to… Engage in other anti-social activities such as vandalism, shoplifting, truancy, smoking, drug/alcohol use Have been bullied themselves Manipulate others to join in the behavior Deny they are doing anything wrong Blame others for their behavior Blame the victim - “They deserved it.” Display defiance

Profile of a Victim Cautious and quiet nature Non-assertive Negative attitude toward violence in the media Appears physically or emotionally weak Lacks humor and pro- social skills Few social connections

Victims are likely to… Feel depressed and/or lonely Consider themselves failures Suffer from migraines and stomach problems See themselves as stupid or unattractive Think often about suicide Suffer from anxiety/panic attacks Cry easily Experience bad dreams Develop nervous habits – nail biting, twirling hair, etc.

A Bully’s Impact on Learning Promotes a negative environment for learning by encouraging a “climate” of fear Distracts ALL students from learning Interferes with the development of positive social relationships Causes a loss of instructional time while problems are being addressed Increases the rate of truancy

…according to current research : 20% of middle school students report having bullied someone else at least “several times” Middle School bullies are 4 times likelier than non- bullies to have more than one criminal conviction by the age of 24 Bullies tend to gravitate toward “the wrong crowd” and often develop substance abuse issues. Young bullies grow into oppositional, defiant, and aggressive adults with a strong need to dominate or control others making positive long term relationships difficult.

Steps to take: Tell an adult. Adult intervention can stop bullies and we can keep you safe. Write down the details with dates, times, and names. Ask your parent to contact your team leader and work with teachers to alleviate the problem first. If the situation doesn’t resolve, ask your parent to call your counselor or go see your counselor. Do not contact the bully/family directly.

What to expect from school… Written district policies and school procedures are in place and will be enforced. Staff will take concerns seriously and address them immediately Adult supervision will be supplemented in areas where bullying has or is likely to occur Staff will be notified so they can monitor the situation and provide help, encouragement and support to the victim Your parents will be informed about steps taken to stop the bullying.

According to the Student Code of Conduct… …Bullying falls under Intimidation/Harrassment of Staff/Student

Consequences Criminal charges Long term suspension Alternative placement Expulsion

HB 91 Defines harassment as: attempting to or actually striking, shoving, kicking another or committing other acts of physical violence In a public place, making offensive noises gestures, or using abusive language directed at another Following another from place to place Repeatedly annoying or frightening another with no legitimate purpose Creating a hostile environment by means of gestures, physical acts, or oral/written communication

Harassing communication may include: Telephone conversation Text messages Web posts Letters Drawings Slam books **Harassing communication is a Class B misdemeanor

School staff are required to: Report incidences to the principal Report felony offenses to the School Board Report felony offenses to local law enforcement agencies

Kristen Settles Rachel Neblitt Let me tell you about ….