Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Overview Jefferson Middle School

“Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.” OBPP Teacher Guide, p. xii What Is Bullying?

Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior 1.Involves an aggressive behavior 2.Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time 3.Involves an imbalance of power or strength

Direct Bullying Hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting Taunting, name- calling, using degrading comments Threatening or obscene gestures Indirect Bullying Getting another person to bully someone Spreading rumors Causing another person to be socially isolated Cyber bullying

Effects of Being Bullied Lower self-esteem Depression and anxiety Absenteeism and lowered school achievement Thoughts of suicide Illness

Prevalence of Bullying Nationally The first national study of bullying used a sample of 15,600 students in grades 6 to % of students reported bullying others “sometimes” or more often during the school term 17% reported being bullied “sometimes” or more often 6.3% reported bullying and being bullied Nansel, T. R., M. Overpeck, R. S. Pilla, W. J. Ruan, B. Simmons-Morton, and P. Scheidt, “Bullying Behaviors among U.S. Youth,” Journal of the American Medical Association 16 (2001): 2094–2100.

OBPP is... designed for ALL students, not just bullies proactive and responsive focused on changing norms and restructuring the school setting research-based NOT time-limited: requires systematic efforts over time OBPP is not… a curriculum a conflict resolution approach a peer mediation program an anger management program

Program Principles 1.Adults need to show warmth, positive interest, and involvement. (“Caring adult”) 2.Set firm limits for unacceptable behavior. (Rules) 3.Teach empathy, encourage bystanders to help. 4.Intervene using nonphysical, non-hostile, negative consequences when rules are broken. 5.Adults in the school should act as authorities and positive role models.

Other key pieces of information you should know… Only 50% reduction “One good friend” makes the difference 9

Program Components School Classroom Individual Community Parents

11 School-wide Components 1.Coordinating committee 2.Training 3.Questionnaire 4.Team meetings / Staff meetings to discuss 5.School rules and consequences 6.Increase supervision 7.Partner with parents 8.Host a kick-off event

SP

13 Classroom Components 1.Classroom rules posted and discussed 2.Regular class meetings 3.Positive classroom climate and reinforcement

14 Individual-Level Components 1.Supervise students’ activities 2.Ensure that all staff intervene on-the-spot when bullying occurs 3.Hold meetings with students involved in bullying 4.Develop individual intervention plans for involved students

Take-Home Message Things are different now for kids. It is possible to reduce bullying, but schools cannot do it alone. It requires a team effort and a long-term commitment.

For more information about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in the U.S outside the U.S.

For more information about OBPP training or contact Dr. Marlene Snyder at