Bully Prevention and Awareness Heather Penry, M.A., LPC North Ridge Crisis Counselor

 Engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school- related activity or in a vehicle operated by the district and creates an imbalance of power.  Is severe, pervasive and persistent  See Texas Education Code 37,0832

 Written  Verbal  Electronic (Cyber)  Physical

 Obvious Indicators ◦ A child tells you about it ◦ A friend of the child tells you about it ◦ You find a note/letter with names ◦ A child writes about it in class/at home ◦ Posted on facebook/twitter/text messages/etc

 Covert Indicators ◦ A change in mood with your child ◦ A rise in anxiety around lunch, weekends, before school or after school ◦ Child not wanting to spend time with friends ◦ Child acting out with attention seeking behavior ◦ Making excuses for spending more time at home

 Victim ◦ Have the child explain the situation(s) in detail ◦ Normalize their feelings by acknowledging what the child is telling you ◦ Find out what the child would like the outcome to be ◦ What has the child tried already to stop it? ◦ If it happened at school, let the school know.

 Bully ◦ Have the child explain the situation(s) in detail ◦ Normalize their feelings by acknowledging what the child is telling you ◦ Why are they picking on the other child? Has the other child done something to them? ◦ If it happened at school, let the school know. ◦ What is happening with the child for them to act this way towards others?

 Call Mrs. Penry, Mr. Ellis, Ms. Blowers, Mr. Whitfield or the classroom teacher at  Give as much detail as possible (include dates and times)  Give names of others involved  Report it as soon as possible

 A complete investigation will be conducted  Depends on severity, pervasiveness and persistence  Can range from Friday Night School to DAEP  These are just some of the possibilities.

 Questions  Comments  Concerns  Suggestions

 Thank you for your time and attention to helping keep our kids safe and comfortable here at North Ridge Middle School.