Bullying and Harassment Identification and Prevention East Allen County Schools Student Training Welcome to the East Allen county schools training on bullying prevention and intervention.

6 out of 10 American teenagers witness bullying in school once a day Bullying affects nearly 1 in 3 American school children in grades 6 through 10 83% of girls and 79% of boys report experiencing harassment Source: www.nea.org According to the National Education Association, 6 out of 10 American teenagers witness bullying in school once a day, and nearly 1 in 3 American school children in grades 6 through 10 are affected by bullying. 83% of girls and 79% of boys report experiencing harassment.

Bullying Overview & Terminology The following section contains information specific to bullying prevention, and the terminology associated with anti-bullying education

Bullying Prevention & the Law Bullying is defined for Indiana schools in HEA 1423 IC 20-33-8-0.2 – “Bullying” means: Overt (intentional) unwanted, repeated acts or gestures including: Verbal or Written communication, or images transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically) Physical acts committed, aggression, or any other behaviors that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to Harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the targeted student and Create for the targeted student an objectively hostile school environment Indiana Code 20-33-8-.2 defines bullying for schools. Bullying behavior is intentional. It is meant to cause physical, social or emotional harm. Bullying also creates an environment where the targeted student feels uncomfortable or unsafe. This law calls the sense of fear a “hostile school environment”. Bullying prevention research calls this an imbalance of power between the targeted student, and the bully. All three of these characteristics make this type of peer abuse, bullying. An objectively hostile learning environment helps determine in what ways a targeted student may feel unsafe. This can relate to the students person or their property. They may also feel that their physical or mental health are in question. Bullying can result in the targeted students decline in academic growth, or ability to focus on learning. Students targeted in bullying may also feel a fear to participate in social or extra-curricular activities. These concerns are due to a feeling of intimidation, or an imbalance of power be it physical, emotional, or social.

Bullying Prevention & the Law (Cont.) IC 20-33-8-0.2 (continued )- an “objectively hostile learning environment”: places the targeted student in reasonable fear or harm to the to the targeted student’s person or property; has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health; has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; OR has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school

Defining Bullying in Simple Terms Unwanted, aggressive behavior Real or perceived power imbalance An easy way to remember the definition of bullying is to think of a three legged stool. For a behavior called bullying, all 3 legs must be in place. If one leg is not in place, the behavior it isn’t bullying. First, the incident or behavior was unwanted and seen as aggressive. Next, the behavior was repeated, and finally, there is an imbalance of power either real or it seems real. That 3rd leg, imbalance of power, is very important when deciding if there really is a “bullying incident”. Sometimes, students have a disagreement but it is not bullying. Repeated or potential for repeated behavior

Terminology Target: Student who has been bullied Bully: Student who has been identified as exhibiting behavior that was determined to be bullying Bystander: Student(s) who have observed another student being bullied Bullying changes. This slide contains the most common terms associated with bullying. The target is the student who has been picked on by the bully. The bully is the student that was reported as the one picking on the target. The bystander or witness is the student or students who have watched the bullying happen.

Types of Bullying Physical Verbal Social/Relational Electronic or Written Communication (“Cyberbullying”) The Indiana Department of Education has identified 4 categories of bullying behaviors. Physical, Verbal, Social, and Electronic or Written Communication, also sometimes to referred to as cyberbullying.

Physical Bullying Examples: Hitting/Punching/Pushing Tripping Spitting Breaking someone’s things Blocking someone’s path Throwing objects at someone Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Some examples are listed on your screen. Research shows that boys more often, are the targets AND the bulliers in physical bullying situations.

Verbal Bullying Examples: Name calling Mean comments Mocking Making fun of you Insults related to race, disability, gender, sexual orientation Negative comments about the way you look, dress or act Verbal bullying involves saying mean things to others. Some examples are listed on your screen.

Social/Relational Bullying Examples: Spreading rumors Gossiping Leaving someone out on purpose Ignoring Threatening aggression against people, property or possessions (verbal or written) Intimidating looks or gestures Embarrassing someone in public The 3rd type of bullying is social or relational bullying which involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. This can be done many ways, some of which are listed on your screen. Research shows that girls more often are the targets AND the bulliers of social and relational bullying.

Electronic or Written Communication Bullying (Cyberbullying) Inappropriate, derogatory, or threatening electronic messages Notes Instant Message Text Social network sites Digital pictures Website postings Fake profiles Electronic or written communication bullying takes place through the use of written messages or using various forms of electronic technology. Some examples are listed on your screen.

Bullying is NOT: There are many types of aggressive behaviors that do not fit the definition of bullying. This does not mean that they are any less serious or do not require intervention. Peer Conflict Hazing Gang Violence Stalking Friendship problems Short-term argument Fights It is important for students to understand that NOT EVERY harmful or aggressive act is bullying. However, aggressive and harmful acts are serious, and many times need adult involvement.

Bullying Prevention & Intervention for Students

Bullying or Harassment can occur anywhere: in school at home in sports on social media on the bus etc.

Prevention Treat all people with respect and empathy Foster a positive school climate Do not ignore bullying or harassment /Do something Report all bullying and harassment Discretely Snitching VS. Reporting Treating people with respect creates a positive atmosphere in your school and can go a long way in preventing bullying situations. If you see bullying occur, report it to a trusted adult

Prevention Be a Buddy for: Younger students Quieter students You have an opportunity to set a positive example: In school Away from school Do what you can to help students who need a friend. You will be helping them and setting a good example for your friends/peers.

What Bystanders can do to assist Ask bully to stop Don’t support the Bully: Don’t join the bully Don’t laugh or spread rumors Don’t tease or gossip Support targeted students Privately w/kind words Publicly (pick up books, walk with them, include them, etc.) Don’t let bullying happen without responding in some way. Your action is important in stopping bullies from hurting other students

What Bystanders can do to assist Report incidents to a trusted adult Snitching VS. Reporting Support the targeted students Do not support the bully Be assertive not aggressive Report acts of bullying or harassment to a trusted adult Many people arte afraid that if they tell an adult about a bullying situation it will cause more problems. The truth is if you don’t say anything it will never stop. At the very least DO NOT support the bully or egg them on. (If you report bulling you want the behavior to stop. If you snitch on someone your desire is to get them in trouble)

How Targets of Bullying or Harassment can help themselves Ignore bullying behavior Respond with humor Be assertive not aggressive Spend time in groups Request bully or harasser to stop and walk away Tell a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, parent, or other trusted adult Get involved in extra curricular activities It is not easy if you are the target of bullying. However, there are some ideas on this slide to help you.

The impact on Bullies School Sanctions Parental discipline Criminal prosecution Harassment Intimidation Disorderly Conduct Battery Criminal trespass Computer Trespass Bullies need to know that their behavior is not acceptable and that it can cause negative consequences for them.

FYI Intimidation is against the law, just like physical actions and threats Bullying and harassment can be prosecuted Athletic or academic status is not a protection Bullying and harassment at school is taken seriously (Tier one or two consequences or referral to law enforcement) Listed on the slide are some additional things to consider about bullying behavior.

East Allen County Schools anti-bullying guidelines and other bullying information is available to staff, parents, and students via the district website. In order to access this information, go to the district homepage, then to the parents tab, then scroll down to find Anti-bullying guidelines. Here you can find the definitions of bullying, the bullying pledge, the School Report Form for Complaints of Harassment and Bullying.

The student handbook or back to School Guide also provides detailed information related to bullying, behavioral expectations for students, and discipline guidelines. Staff, parents and students can find a copy of the student handbook by visiting the EACS homepage, clicking on the parent tab, and then on the back to school guide tab.

Remember… It takes everyone working together to make your school a safe and supportive environment where every student feels welcome and ready to learn As a member of this school community, it’s your responsibility to: Learn about bullying and harassment and how it is different than other behaviors Report bullying or harassment to a trusted adult Do your part to make your school a safe place! Remember, when you see something, do something. Your response to a bullying situation is helpful in many ways. Your action provides immediate support for the target. Your courage to get involved shows the way students should behave. Slide 28 stands for itself

When you see something, do something. Remember… When you see something, do something. Source: www.stopbullying.gov Remember, when you see something, do something.

Who is responsible for ensuring that your school is harassment free: Principals, Assistant Principals, teachers, staff, and students EVERYONE!

Thank you for your attention during this training on bullying prevention and intervention.