The School Safety Center Bullying 101

First of all… Not all negative, socially unacceptable behavior is “bullying”.

WA State HIB Definition

Definition of Bullying Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children … that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm.

Components of the Definition Intentional Negative Repeated Power Imbalance Lack of Empathy

Types of Bullying Different Types of Behaviors  Physical  Verbal  Relational In addition, bullying can be:  Direct or Indirect Related behaviors:  NB: Harassment & Intimidation

Conflict

Players – A Community Event T The Community: A

Cyberbullying = bullying no place safe viral speed “anonymity” distance loss of control even more hidden from adults

Hazing

Data

Impacts Students engaged in bullying: Less engaged in school Grade and test scores decline Elevated risk for delinquency 4 times more likely as peers to have multiple convictions. Targets: Higher rates of anxiety Depression Physical health problems Poor academic performance Impact into adulthood Bystanders: Have increased risk factors Have increased depression and anxiety Miss or skip school Stress of fear

Legal Considerations Harassment-related student bullying & School liability: 1.Target is a member of a “protected class” defined under federal civil rights laws - include gender, race and disability 2.Harassment was based on the students’ membership in a protected class 3.Harassment was severe, pervasive and offensive 4.School had knowledge of the harassment 5.School was deliberately indifferent

The Nexus The Nexus between on and off-campus behavior : 1.location & proximity school 2.time: hour & date 3.the effect on others 4.severity of activity & likely connection to student or staff safety 5.impact on overall environment and safety of the school.

Best Practice Overview 1.Focus on the social environment 2.Assess bullying 3.Garner staff and parent support 4.Form a group to coordinate the school’s activities 5. Train your staff

Best Practice Overview Interventions: 1. School-wide 2. Classroom 3. On-the-spot 4. Community

Social Norming

Avoid These! Doesn’t Work: No school-wide planning Lack of staff training Non ‘best practice’ programs One-shot ‘inoculations’ Scare tactics “Just say no” “bullycide” Zero tolerance policies Inconsistencies Words without actions Makes It Worse: Outside “experts” Peer mediation Just shake hands Suck it up Laugh it off Blaming the target Boys will be boys ( or Girls will be …. ) Not listening Not protecting targets Words without actions

Restorative Practices Restorative Practice Questions

Mike Donlin Program Supervisor, Bullying & Harassment Toolkit The School Safety Center