The Laguna Middle School Bullying Prevention Program

Definition of 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. Bullying implies an imbalance in power or strength.

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

Types of Bullying VERBAL BULLYING PHYSICAL BULLYING DIRECT INDIRECT Taunting Teasing Threats/Intimidation Degrading racial or sexual comments Obscene gestures Hitting Kicking Shoving Spitting INDIRECT Spreading rumors/gossip Excluding someone from a group or activity Cyber-bullying: Cell phones E-mails Web sites Encouraging another person to be a bully Encouraging a fight Types of Bullying

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

Rough Play vs. Bullying There is a difference between rough play and bullying. The term “rough-and-tumble play” is normally used when two or more students hit, push, chase, or try to wrestle with each other in a friendly, non-hostile, playful manner. Research has shown that, even at an early age (about five years), students usually can differentiate between rough-and-tumble play and real fighting. Students may say, “It’s fun,” “I like it,” “It makes me laugh,” as the most common reasons for participating in rough-and-tumble play. It is relatively rare for rough-and-tumble play to develop into real fighting.

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

Hot Spots for Bullying Multipurpose room Hallways Bus

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

What Roles Do Students Play In The one who is being bullied BPCC Coordinating Committee Training BPCC Coordinating Committee Training What Roles Do Students Play In Bullying Situations? A G Start the bullying and take an active part Students Who Bully Dislike the bullying, help or try to help the bullied student Defenders Student Who Is Bullied Take an active part, but do not start the bullying B Followers H The one who is being bullied Supporters Support the bullying, but do not take an active part C Possible Defenders F Peer group plays an important role in motivating and encouraging bullying in many situations. As this continuum shows, students who bully often get various types of support—from followers (hench boys or hench girls), supporters, & passive supporters. Shows group phenomenon: roles vary among participants & observers. Some are much more active than others. This “Bullying Circle” is an important OBPP tool to illustrate roles in bullying situations & to build understanding about how the program helps shift behavioral norms & attitudes. Engage participants in Bullying Circle Exercise (TM Tab 11, Doc. 7) using the large role play cards (TM Tab 11, Doc. 8) TG, pp. 23-25; SWG CD Doc. 1, pp. 15-16. Passive Supporters Like the bullying, but do not display open support D Dislike the bullying and think they ought to help, but don’t do it Disengaged Onlookers E TG, p. 24 Watch what happens, don’t take a stand 12 © 2007 The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group 12 12

Goals of the Bully Prevention 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 LAGUNA SCHOOL RULES AGAINST BULLYING We will not bully others. We will try to help students who are bullied. We will include students who are left out. When we know somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

HOW TO REPORT BULLYING Tell an adult at school and an adult at home. Leave a note in the office. Call the school at 596-4055. E-mail the school: gmiller@slcusd.org

Feel empowered! Step in or report bullying! Make Laguna a better place for all students!