Student Support Services: Bullying/Cyberbullying Kerry Bertrand, Guidance Counselor Jessica Sikora, School Psychologist Lauren May, School Psychology Intern

Tonight’s Agenda What is Bullying? Massachusetts New Anti-Bullying Law QPS/Merrymount Response Cyberbullying Discussion

Know the Facts 1 out of 4 kids is bullied (mentally, verbally, & physically). 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully, or doing some type of bullying. 8% of students miss one day of class per month from fear of bullies. Each day 160,000 students miss school from fear of being bullied. 23% of elementary students reported being bullied one to three times in the last month. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics…

What is Bullying? Bullying can include…. Physical-hitting, shoving, pushing, and destroying property Verbal-teasing, name calling, threats, starting rumors Written-note, written threats, graffiti, *cyberbullying Bullying is different from a conflict or quarrel. It is repeated behavior that occurs over time and is one- sided. When kids quarrel, they usually blame each other. Kids who are victims are AFRAID of bullies. They don’t fight back. They are afraid to blame the bully.

Effects of Bullying Who does it affect? Whole school community including victims, bystanders, faculty. School problems: absenteeism, lack of concentration Emotional problems: Sadness, acting out, low self- esteem, or anxiety.

MA New Anti-Bullying Law Defines Bullying and Cyberbullying including off school grounds behavior. Mandates that each school system have a procedure for reporting, documenting and intervening on suspected bullying. Requires reporting to Law Enforcement if the acts are criminal Clear procedure for students, staff, parents Mandates training for all school staff Mandates curriculum for all students Focus is on prevention and intervention

School Response to Specific Bullying Incident Conduct Investigation Interviews: target alleged aggressor and witnesses Contact parents/guardians Create and Implement action plan Contacts Law Enforcement if a criminal act has been committed Consequences assigned Completes a bullying incident report if necessary/documents Intervention Plan Follow up and monitor behavior

School Climate Matters! Established an Anti-Bullying policy in April Implemented district wide curriculum of developmental guidance lessons for all general education classrooms. Each school is allowed flexibility as to how to present the information to their students, depending on the schools individual needs. Provides developmentally appropriate guidance curriculum to all students. Goal: achieve personal best given proper instruction, access to services, and support which recognizes individual differences and learning styles. Development of the whole child, socially, physically, intellectually, and emotionally is critical to lifelong success. Quincy Public Schools:Merrymount Elementary:

Current Curriculums Kindergarten: Second Step – Feelings & Impulse Control 1 st Grade: Second Step – Friendship & Conflict Resolution 2 nd Grade: Kids & Company – Safety 3 rd Grade: The Guide – Study Skills & Organization 4 th Grade: Steps to Respect – Bullying 5 th Grade: Second Step – Conflict Resolution/Bullying

4 th Grade: Steps to Respect Bullying Recognizing Bullying How to Identify Bullying Face to Face Behind the Back How to Handle Bullying Refusing Reporting

5 th Grade: Second Step Bullying Managing Emotions Recognizing Feelings Calming Self Appropriate Responses Dealing with Putdowns Dealing with Criticism Dealing with Being Left Out Conflict Resolution Problem Solving Brainstorming Solutions Predicting Consequences

Cyberbullying Involves: A power imbalance Victimization Repetition Intent to harm Bullying vs. Cyberbullying: Children underestimate its impact Involves more/different kids Broader Impact (home and school) Becoming more popular because… You don’t see your victim, so you don’t feel as guilty Sometimes kids are actually unaware that they are doing this (don’t realize how their messages are being received) Much less of a chance of being caught or getting in trouble Don’t report because they are afraid of items (computer, cell phone) being taken away AIM Myspace Facebook Youtube Twitter Texting

Take Home Teaching Points Cyberbullying can be an online threat = written record Electronic information is PERMANENT and PUBLIC What you put online is there FOREVER Anyone can use shared information An upcoming vacation you're taking with the family

Discussion Questions??