What is Bullying? Unwelcome verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact directed at a student by another student(s), or by an adult that has an intent to: Create fear, psychological harm, or physical harm Damage / extort personal or academic property Damage or create fear for the loss of personal property Systematically and/or intentionally exclude Spread false information Create an intimidating / hostile environment Interfere with the educational process / opportunities

Main Types of Bullying The DEP denotes 4 types of bullying: 1. Physical 2. Verbal 3. Covert (dirty looks, rumors, exclusion,…) 4. Cyber

Cyber Bullying Using technology to harass, tease, intimidate, threaten, or terrorize Posting and/or sending inappropriate messages, images, videos, etc…

Cyber Bullying: A Serious Issue 43% of kids have been bullied online 70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online. 81% of students think bullying online is easier to get away with 90% of teens who have seen social-media bullying say they have ignored it. Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse. About 75% of students have visited a website bashing another student. Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide. Stats from Dosomething.org @ http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying

Impact of Bullying We all must work together to prevent: Negative School Climate Low Morale; Self-Esteem Isolation (limited social; educational opportunities) Fear; Intimidation Escalation to Violence!

Bullying Destroys Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. 1 in 4 teachers see nothing wrong with bullying and will only intervene 4% of the time. Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying. 1 in 7 students in grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying.

Bullying Destroys Over 75% of students believe schools respond poorly to bullying; believe adult help is infrequent and ineffective. 90 % of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying. 1 in10 students drop out because of bullying. Physical bullying increases in elementary school, peaks in middle school and declines in high school. Verbal abuse, on the other hand, remains constant. Stats from Dosomething.org @ http://www.dosomething.org

Authority & Consequences Zero Tolerance Policy!!! Bullying will receive prompt and severe consequences when it occurs on school property, during school, at school sponsored events, or on school transportation Prompt investigation as well as possible consequences and collaboration with law enforcement will occur for all other bullying related incidents.

Remaining a bystander is NOT acceptable! Be an Advocate Remaining a bystander is NOT acceptable! Report incidents immediately to a staff member or parent(s)/guardian(s) Visit Guidance - open door policy OPTION: Submit an anonymous report to your principal (confidentiality will be maintained!) REMEMBER: All the adults in this building care about you and are here to help

Delegation of Responsibilities Education Programs & Staff Training Knowledge is power! Immediate Intervention Staff must intervene when safe to do so Climate of Respect Each member of this school community (student & staff) must respect and defend the rights of others at ALL times!

Reporting Guidelines All students, teachers, staff, parents/guardians are expected to immediately report bullying. However, the avenues for reporting may vary as follows: Teacher: intervene when safe; report to principal Additional Staff: report to principal Parents / Guardians: report to principal Students: submit anonymous report, visit guidance, tell teacher/staff, report to principal

Confidentiality All bullying reports will be taken seriously and promptly investigated. When appropriate the parent/guardian of both the victim and the bully will be contacted NOTE: All FERPA rules and regulations will be followed in notification of both parties to maintain confidentiality and protect all students Law Enforcement agencies will be contacted and involved when appropriate

Investigation Methods All bullying reports will be taken seriously and promptly investigated!!! Principal is the designee (keep them informed) Law Enforcement agencies will be contacted and involved when appropriate Possible methods include but are not limited to: Conferences, meetings, video surveillance, review of student(s) records Parent/Guardian contacted in accordance with District Policy as well as FERPA

Pledge??? & Events??? CDMS plans to implement anti-bullying events throughout the school year to help establish and maintain a school climate of respect. If you have any suggestions for events that may help promote a safe school united against bullying, please share them with the administration.

Surviving Bullying Bullying is an issue in today’s American schools. It is important to recognize it exists and understand avenues for ‘surviving’ or reducing bullying. Taking a proactive approach can help support and educate our students. Please view the video below for an inspirational story about how one community changed the negative cycle of bullying to save a young man’s life. Bullied Teen Turned Survivor (CBS News Special Report)

Tips & Tactics Always take incidents or reports of bullying seriously Help bullied students find and pursue interests or hobbies to recognize their unique talents Consider involving a bullied student in activities outside of school (Church Youth Group; Volunteer Programs; Local Clubs; Craft or Art Classes; Music Programs) Discuss bullying with students Remind students to help / advocate for others Emphasize the importance and power of positivity (Compliments and smiles go a long way!!!)

Resources National Centre Against Bullying @ http://www.ncab.org.au/ PACER @ http://www.pacer.org Stopbullying.gov @ http://www.stopbullying.gov/ Stop Bullying Now: Parent resources, tips and strategies @ http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/index.htm Tips for Recognizing and Dealing with Bullying @ http://www.violencepreventionworks.org/public/bullying_tips_for_parents.page Anti-Bullying Tips for Students @ http://www.kidpower.org/library/article/prevent-bullying/?gclid=CNyj6YTm7bgCFYOe4Aod82AA7g Stop a Bully: Anti-Bullying lessons, handouts and media resources @ http://www.stopabully.ca/bullying-resources/teacher-resources