The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program An Overview

Bullying… A student is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one or more students.

What is bullying?  Intentional harm-doing  Repeated over time  Occurs in a relationship in which there is an imbalance of power

Bullying Behaviors Physical Aggression Pushing Shoving Kicking Hitting Inflicting Bodily harm Physical acts that are demeaning and humiliating

Bullying Behaviors Social Alienation Gossiping Embarrassing Setting up to look foolish Excluding from the group Ethnic Slurs Manipulating social order to achieve rejection

Bullying Behaviors Verbal Aggression Mocking Name Calling Dirty looks Taunting Teasing about clothing or possessions Verbal threats

Bullying Behaviors Intimidation Threatening to reveal personal information Graffiti Publicly challenging to do something Defacing property or clothing Taking possessions Playing a dirty trick Coercion

Rough Play vs. Bullying Relationship among parties Facial expressions and general atmosphere Balance of power – relatively equal Intention Usually not repeated

Hot Spots for Bullying Cafeteria Playground Bus

Why Do We Need a Bullying Program?  Bullying affects everyone!!!  Victims  Bullies  Bystanders

Goals of Olweus Program  Reduce existing bully, victim, bystander problems among school children  Prevent the development of new bully, victim, bystander problems  Improve peer relations  Improve school climate

Rules for Bully-Free Schools In our schools we will  not bully others.  help students who are bullied.  include students who are easily left out.  tell an adult at home and at school when we know someone is being bullied.

Other Components  Classroom meetings  Staff discussion groups  New form of documentation  Cooperation of entire community

Components of the Program Teachers/Staff Students Parents