1. BULLY PREVENTION: THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL AND THE FAMILY Dr Tina Daniel-Reasey & Dr. John DeGarmo

3. Definition of Bullying school School Policy: An act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at school bus stops, at school-related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system that is: 1. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; 2. Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or 3. Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that: a. Causes another person substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm (Code Section 15-5-23-1) b. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; c. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or d. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

4. HarmRepeated Occurrences Unfair MatchPower Difference

5. Different Types of Bullying Types Deliberate Repeated Hostile Behavior Intended to harm another person  Cyber – use of internet, cell phones or other devices are used to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.  Physical - occurs when a person uses overt bodily acts to gain power over peers to include kicking, punching, hitting or other physical attacks.  Social or Verbal - involves spreading rumors about another person, purposely leaving someone out of an activity/group, embarrassing a person in public, or encouraging others to avoid a certain person or group.

6. Injured 21, bullied on Facebook the night before Age 15, posted youtube video the night she committed suicide Increase in social awareness, increase in effects of bullying, increase in acceptance of behavior

7. Statistics NO YES 27% children worldwide report being bullied 36% bullied report to someone 35% of teens report they would join in the bullying 1 in 6 report being bullied 50% of teens report being bullied online 1 out of 12 teens will attempt suicide

8. Why do students tell or not tell? NO -  I was scared to  I didn’t know who to tell  I could handle it or know what to do, we were playing  I don’t want anyone but my parents to know  I might say something back  It’s hard to talk about  I didn’t trust anyone to help me, don’t trust people  It didn’t mean anything or didn’t bother me, not important  I had no one to tell  I’m not a snitch YES  I knew an adult would help  It would be best to tell (or right to tell)  I told my friend  He was sent to the counselor  I was afraid it would happen again or I was scared  It made me feel better, I wanted it to stop  My parent helped me  The first time I did not tell  I was overstressed and needed help, I was sad and hurt  I didn’t want to but my parent made me YES

9. Why do some students bully?  May or may not have low self-image  May take pride in negative behavior  Strong need for dominance  Impulsive  May have been a victim of bullying  May be well-liked by adults  May have poor peer relationships  May experience depression, anxiety or violence  Physically aggressive – damage property  Poor academics, quit school  At risk for drug/alcohol abuse  At risk for adult criminal behavior or violence CharacteristicsAt Risk Behaviors

10. Effects of being bullied  Lifelong health problems  Consideration of suicide  Skip or dropout of school  Academic struggles  Retaliate with violence  Societal effects  Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety  Fearful, lonely  Poor self-image  Interrupted sleep or eating patterns  Socially isolated  Students may not report due to:  Fear of retaliation  Threats by the bully  “Tattle tale” label by teachers or “snitch” by other students  Feel deserve it  Expect adults to handle  Feel parents may punish by taking away electronics or internet access

11. Bystanders Most effective way to combat bullying!  80% witnessed bullying  11% stood up  If a bystander intervened, 50% of bullying would decrease.  Why a student doesn’t: don’t know what to do, fear of being a target, think someone else or adult will intervene.  How to help students be the solution: remain calm and confident, strong and assertive voice and demeanor, use positive words, seek an adult to learn how to combat others being bullied.

12. What schools can do Respond in a safe manner. Inform and educate. Share information and resources.  System and school wide policy  Training for staff  Consistent interventions  Zero tolerance  Anti-Bullying Campaigns – promote bullying awareness programs early  Identify “hot spots” and monitor locations

13. What students can do Tweet others the way you want to be tweeted.  Be confident  Ignore  Don’t show hurt feelings to a bully – tell a trusted adult or friend  Understand it is not his or her fault and no one deserves to be bullied  Use humor  Change the subject  Stay in a group of people – surround with trusted friends  Avoid areas where adult supervision is low (hallways, bathroom, playroom area) where the bully might be  Don’t brag  Don’t carry expensive items

14. What families can do Families play a key role in neutralizing the effects of bullying for their children.  Build self-esteem. Spend extra time with child.  Ask questions about child’s day.  Watch for signs of being bullied or bullying.  Listen. Encourage child to talk to you.  Be sympathetic, take seriously.  Don’t over or under react.  Do not blame child and offer constant support and encouragement.  Do not criticize “You need to stand up for yourself”.  Home is often a refuge or safe place.  Identify bullying effects, feelings, and difficult time child may have.  Seek professional help if needed.  Set examples of good, positive relationships.  Demonstrate good self-control.  Do not show aggressive behavior or talk toward others or the child.  Teach violence is unacceptable.

15. Conclusions Outcomes: Decrease bullying Increase bystander interventions Decrease number of bullies Increase of social skills Decrease number of suicide attempts and mental health issues  Bullying should not be accepted.  Whatever the root cause, the effects of bullying can be neutralized through training, education and support of staff and families.  Families play a key role in helping by setting positive examples, raising a child with good morals, and helping their child have a strong sense of self-worth.  Children and teens need to know what to do when bullied, who to talk to, and learn to feel comfortable reporting.  Bystanders can reduce bullying by 50%.

16. Resources www.pbskids.org www.bullyingstatistics.org www.stopbullying.gov www.stopbullyingnow.com www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org www.thetrevorproject.org www.cyberbullying.us www.kidshealth.org www.stopcyberbullying.org www.dosomething.org www.cdc.gov www.violencepreventionworks.org www.hazelden.org