Bullying in Today’s Schools By Cari Mailloux

Bullying: A Basic Definition “ A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.” - Dan Olweus Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do

Common Features Bullying is a serious problem that affects ALL public and private schools today. It can take many forms but usually includes 3 basic components: an imbalance of power the intent to cause harm repetition

Types of Bullying Seen in Schools Verbal- name-calling, teasing Social- spreading rumors, excluding people purposely, breaking up friendships Physical- hitting, punching, shoving Cyberbullying- using the internet, cell phones, and other digital technology to harm others

Warning Signs: Being Bullied Unexplained injuries Damaged or missing clothing and/or belongings Changes in eating habits Loss of interest in visiting or talking with friends Feelings of helplessness, anxiety, and/or depression Trouble sleeping or bad dreams

Warning Signs: Bullying Others Gets into physical or verbal fights with others Quick to place blame others Becomes increasingly violent with others Needs to win or be best at everything Does not accept responsibility for their actions Has friends who bully others

Who is at risk? Students that are at a higher risk for being bullying victims are those that exhibit one or more of the following: Do not get along well with others Are less popular than others Have few or no friends Do not conform to gender norms Have low self-esteem Are depressed or anxious

Schools with Bullying Issues A school with significant bullying issues creates a climate where students exhibit: Fear, disrespect, and insecurity Difficulty learning and dislike for school A perception that teachers and staff have little control and lack caring.

What A Bully-Free School Looks Like: Consistent Immediate action in response to bullying Support for victims Safe rooms/ Isolation rooms for persons involved Confidence Building programs Behavior Intervention Programs Peer Mediation Programs

Creating a Bully-Free School: Creating a bully-free school involves cooperation and collaboration from everyone involved in students’ lives, not just their teachers. It takes participation such as: 1. Entire staff awareness and involvement in program development 2. Parent and caregiver involvement in program meetings

Creating a Bully-Free School continued… 3. Advice and informational pamphlets for community members. 4. Anti-bullying education integrated into student curriculum *examples: lessons taught in health and wellness classes; school-wide anti- bullying awareness days; student-created posters etc.

What Teachers Can Do: Participate in Civil Rights and Anti Bullying Training and learn proper response methods. Follow clearly defined procedures and guidelines when bullying is discovered. Integrate bullying awareness into existing curriculums; raise awareness through everyday teaching lessons.

What Teachers Can Do continued… Notice when a student is behaving differently, becomes isolated, or increasingly sad. Do not dismiss behavior as part of growing up or “part being a kid”. Work with bullying victims and bullies to stop the behavior.

Stopping Bullying is Everyone’s Responsibility!

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