Dealing with Bullying: Prevention & Intervention Maureen M. Welch Elementary

What is Bullying? Bullying is when a stronger, more powerful person hurts or frightens a weaker person on purpose and repeatedly (again and again). Bullying behavior is when someone is hurt physically, socially, and/or emotionally by words or actions.

School Board Definition of Bullying as Outlined in Policy No. 218.10 Bullying means a communication or act that is intentional and delivered in electronic, written, verbal or physical form to another student or students, which occurs in or by way of a school setting that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following: 1. Substantially interfering with a student’s education; or 2. Creating a threatening environment; or 3. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes communication delivered through the internet (Cyberbullying).

Direct Bullying Physical Kicking, biting, punching, hitting, damaging others’ property, stealing, etc. Verbal (Emotional and/or Social) (the most common form of bullying) Threatening, teasing, embarrassing others, name calling, gossiping, spreading rumors, shunning, picking on or attacking others because they are different, etc.

Indirect Bullying Physical Verbal Non-Verbal Getting someone else to kick, hit, setting others up, showing your fist, etc. Verbal Saying lies about someone, talking behind people’s back, telling secrets, encouraging bullying, etc. Non-Verbal Leaving someone out of the group, not letting your friend play with someone else (Relational Bullying), Instant Messaging (Cyber Bullying), laughing at someone

What is the Potential Impact of Bullying on Targets/Victims? Bullying hurts for a long time Some children are impacted long term with sadness, depression, and/or anxiety People don’t “get over” being bullied Many adults can remember times when they were bullied as children

Targets/Victims Tend To… Be quiet & sensitive Be insecure, have little confidence Be physically weaker than peers Be afraid of getting hurt Find it easier to associate with adults than with peers Be hyperactive, restless , have difficulty concentrating Hot-tempered, attempt to fight or answer back when they feel attacked or insulted Clumsy and immature Have difficulty reading social signals

Children Who Bully Tend To… Have more positive attitude toward violence Gain satisfaction from hurting someone Have difficulty conforming to rules Be aggressive to adults, quick temper, easily frustrated Be stronger than peers Appear tough, show little compassion for victims Be good at talking themselves out of situations Gain followers because of fear and power

What is MMW Doing to Prevent Bullying? Second Step Life Skills Restorative Practices Guidance Curriculum in K-6 Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBS) Teacher Mailboxes Recess/Lunch/Bus Training Trouble Free Playground Games MMW Bullying Pledge

Interventions: How MMW Responds to Bullying Gathering of information as soon as a report of bullying is made (talking with the target, bystanders, and person(s) accused of bullying) Disciplinary action taken when appropriate Follow up discussions with the children who are involved and possibly a restorative meeting between the target and child who bullied Contacting parents of all children who are involved Communication with all teachers of children involved if bullying situation was addressed by the guidance counselor and/or principal

How Parents can Help Get the facts and listen to your child Stay calm and be objective You may not have the whole story Assure your child that the problem will be addressed Gather as many details as possible Where, when, who was involved Keep records of when your child is bullied. This will help to show that there is a pattern and that it is not just a one time event.

How Parents can Help cont’d… Communicate with the school Encourage your child to speak to his/her teacher or other school personnel verbally or in writing. If your child is not comfortable speaking up, you can contact your child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor Continue to maintain open communication with school personnel

How Parents can Help cont’d… Encourage your child to use strategies that they have learned Tell the bully to stop Walk away Know that it is not your fault Tell adults at home and at school Stay with trusted friends Hang out with people who will let you be you Don’t be a bully yourself

Case Studies: Lunch - Two girls move away from one Recess - Boys exclude another from a game/activity Bus – Teasing a boy about liking a girl

Resources www.stopbullyingnow.com www.stopcyberbullying.org www.bullying.org www.no-bully.com www.cyberbullying.org www.opheliaproject.org

REMEMBER THAT WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING OUR SCHOOL A SAFE PLACE References: Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Bully Free Classroom