Seymour Middle School

Officer Hilgenberg– Police Liaison Officer Ms. Landreman– Dean of Students Mrs. Vogel – Counselor

What We Need to Remember…. When we talk about bullying we need to respect each other’s feelings and privacy. It is NOT okay to criticize what other people say or do as we talk about bullying. Let’s handle this discussion maturely.

Truancy Wisconsin State Statute 118:  “Truant” means a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of any day on which school is held. You are considered truant when: You are tardy for class or are not in your assigned location You do not come to school and do not have an acceptable reason. If you are truant: You could receive a citation from law enforcement You could be referred to Juvenile Intake and be assigned a social worker. GET TO CLASS!!

VIDEO The Effects of Bullying

Why do we talk about Bullying? Bullying is a very serious social and legal problem. All schools must take steps to stop it from happening. By learning about bullying, we are creating a healthier school environment for everyone.

Set you on right path…. Studies show that bullies are more likely to be incarcerated as adults, more likely to have drug/alcohol abuse, and more abusive relationships Colleges/Employers – think about your future – once it’s out there it’s for LIFE

1. Bullying is just teasing. FALSE! While many bullies tease, others use violence, intimidation, and other tactics.

Definition of Bullying A person is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons. (Olweus, 1991)

2. Some people deserve to be bullied. FALSE! No one asks to be bullied! Bullying is unwanted negative actions!

TYPES OF BULLYING Physical Aggression Social Aggression Verbal Aggression Intimidation Racial and Cultural (Ethnic) Harassment Sexual Harassment Cyberbullying (Kix, Twitter, Pinger, text me, Facebook, , Instagram, Snapchat, Voxer)

Racial Harassment Joking telling with racial or ethnic targets Exclusion due to ethnicity Racial or ethnic slurs Public humiliation Physical or verbal attacks due to ethnicity Examples Jokes “N” Word

Sexual Harassment “Dirty” jokes Howling, cat calls, whistles Stare downs Spreading sexual rumors Pressure for sexual activity De-panting (consequences-Disorderly Coduct) Cornering, blocking Sexting: Displaying sexual graphics (sending pictures) That’s “Gay”

3. Only boys are bullies. FALSE It may seem that most bullies are boys, but girls can be bullies too.

4. People who complain about bullies are babies. FALSE People who ask for help with bullies are standing up or their right not to be bullied and to have a safe school.

5. Bullying is a normal part of growing up. FALSE Getting teased, picked on, pushed around, threatened, harassed, insulted, hurt, and abused is not normal!

6. Bullies will go away if you ignore them FALSE Some bullies may go away BUT most will get angry and keep bullying until they get a reaction.

7. It’s tattling to tell an adult when you are being bullied. FALSE It’s smart to ask an adult for help when you are being bullied or when you see someone else being bullied. Purpose – Keep people safe/Harmful to others

8. The best way to deal with a bully is by fighting or trying to get even. False If you fight a bully you may get hurt and will get into trouble for fighting. Also aren’t you acting the same way as the bully if you try to get even???

Best Way to Deal With A Bully: ("What Students Say About Bullying“ Davis and Nixon.) Most effective: Seeking encouragement, advice, and protection from friends and adults: - Telling an adult at school (38% said this made things better, 27% worse); - Telling an adult at home (37% better, 16% worse); - Telling a friend (36% better, 15% worse) What was least effective: Trying to handle it yourself

9. People who are bullied might hurt for awhile, but they’ll get over it. FALSE Bullying can hurt for a long time. Many adults can remember times when they have been bullied in middle school. ASK THEM!

EFFECTS of BULLYING ACADEMIC School avoidance Truancy Lower grades Lower self-esteem

EFFECTS of BULLYING Health Problems Loss of appetite Nervousness Depression Headaches / Stomachaches Loss of sleep

EFFECTS of BULLYING Adjustment Problems Emotional Distress Anxiety Loneliness Suicidal ideations and attempts

BYSTANDERS  Most ignored and underused resource in schools  85% of a school population – “silent majority”  Become desensitized over time – diminished empathy

Advocate for Yourself!! Take responsibility for your own actions; behavior, academics, personal issues. School is your job, no one else is responsible for your actions or should need to defend you for minor issues. You have a voice... Use it!

Reporting Bullying 1. Tell a Teacher – Who, What, When, Where, and How 2. If problem continues fill out a white slip (by office window) 3. Ms. Vogel or Ms. Landreman, depending on issue, will meet with you after you have done step 1 and 2

Office Contact If you need to speak to someone in the office: Fill out a blue slip Fill out a white slip If someone is in immediate danger, tell us immediately!! If you have a problem and do not let us know, we cannot help you.

CRIMESTOPPERS Help keep our school safe and remain anonymous! If you’re aware of: Drugs, alcohol, weapons, theft, vandalism or harrassment… let someone know! You could be eligible for a cash reward! (920) 432-STOP

Reporting Bullying

Be Kind and Compassionate to everyone you meet, they may be fighting a battle you know nothing about.