Carrie Connolly Pat Crane Gail Moskowitz Candy Weems EDLP 704- Spring 2014

Introduction Article- What is bullying? – Aggressive behavior characterized by Intent to harm Repeated occurrence Imbalance of power between bully and victim – Physical, verbal, cyber-bullying

Article Summary The study focused on bullying prevention strategies in five categories: – Systems-level interventions – School staff and parent involvement – Educational approaches with students – Student involvement – Interventions with bullies and victims

Research – Most/least implemented – Perceived as most/least effective – Need improvement – Barriers to improvement

Research Results Most frequently used strategies – Talking with bullies after bullying incidents – Disciplinary consequences for bullies – Increased adult supervision peer juries/court Least frequently used – Anti-bullying committee – Peer counselors

Research Results Perceived most effective – School-wide positive behavior support plan – Modifying space and schedule – Immediate responses Perceived least effective – Avoid contact between bully and victim – Zero tolerance – Written anti-bullying policy

What type of policy? School-wide positive behavior support plan – Regulatory policy Modified space and schedule for less structured activities – Redistributive policy Immediate responses to bullying incidents – Regulatory policy

Strategies Used to Promote Policy Target multiple stakeholders Research studies on effectiveness Public Forums Articles in local paper/ school newsletter Direct mailings Use of social media

Benefits Create a welcoming safe environment Several strategies Training fosters consistency Raise awareness, changes attitudes and educate

Disadvantages Zero tolerance Peer mediations Parent involvement What is bullying? – Personal growth and development

Challenges Buy in from the staff Need additional staffing Survey results Barriers – time and priorities

Improving Anti-bullying policy Areas of improvement indicated by survey results – Staff training – Community involvement – Reporting structure for bullying policies

Application to Workplace and Leadership Need to consider all stakeholders – Staff involvement – Parent involvement Communication strategies for policy implementation – How to communicate policy with students – Time constraints