DUSDStudent Bullying Presentation Grades 7-12

What is Bullying? No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyber bully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any other student or school personnel. Cyber bullying includes the transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyber bullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation.  

Examples of Bullying 1) Verbal (derogatory comments and bad names) 2) Bullying through social exclusion or isolation 3) Physical (hitting, kicking, shoving, throwing things and spitting) 4) Bullying through lies and false rumors 5) Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully 6) Cyber bullying (via cell phone or Internet)

Possible Reasons Why Students Bully: To To To To To To To To gain power gain popularity and attention act out problems from home copy what someone else does that they admire They They They They They They perceive it as fun have low self-esteem (sometimes) themselves are being bullied or have been bullied.

What are the effects of VICTIMS of Bullies? Victims of Bullying experience loneliness, difficulty making friends, humiliation, insecurity, loss of self- esteem, and tend to develop a fear of going to school. Greater risk of suffering from depression and other mental health problems, and in worst case scenarios are at greater risk for suicide. The impact of frequent bullying often accompanies these victims into adulthood… iles1/ojjdp/fs pdf

Seth’s Law “Seth’s Law” is a law that strengthens existing state anti-bullying laws to help protect all California public school students. Seth’s Law requires public schools in California to update their anti-bullying policies and programs, and it focuses on protecting students who are bullied based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity/gender expression, as well as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability and religion.

DUSD Policy DUSD is aware of the seriousness of bullying and in compliance with Seth’s Law DUSD policy specifically prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on these actual or perceived characteristics: disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation. Discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying directed at someone associated with a person or group with one or more of the listed actual or perceived characteristics is also prohibited (Education Code Section 234.1(a))

DUSD Consequences ENGAGED IN AN ACT OF BULLYING, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BULLYING COMMITTED BY MEANS OF AN ELECTRONIC ACT (E.C (r)) As defined in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section directed specifically toward a pupil or school personnel. ENGAGING IN, OR HAVING ANY PART IN HAZING or committing any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces any other person attending school. Causing, attempting to cause, threatening to cause, or participating in an act of hate violence. (E.C. Sec ) (E.C. SEC. 233) (E.C , sub-section a and/or k) (E.C ) 1st Offense: Warning to student and /or other alternative consequences. 2nd Offense: 1-3 days suspension. 3rd Offense: Up to 5-days suspension. Recommendation for expulsion or alternative education program. 3rd Offense

What can you do if you are being bullied? Do not respond to the bully. When bullies do not get a reaction from their victim they usually tend to lose interest and move on. This can often be easier said than done. IF the bullying does not go away… TELL SOMEONE!!!

What can you do if you are being bullied? Contact an adult who you feel comfortable with and trust. Examplesof people you can go to: Teacher Someone in the office Counselor Parent Administrator Campus Supervisor

What can you do if you are being bullied? Students Speaking Out Keeping Our Schools Safe! Students Speaking Out provides students with a safe, informal, and anonymous system to give information about criminal activity, threats, or weapons, without fear of retaliation. If you have information about a crime committed at your school, or about threats of a crime or possible shooting. Call the 24-Hour Students Speaking Out Hotline at (INFO)

But I’m not getting Bullied at school… Just online… Block those who are harassing you from social media sites. (i.e. block them from your myspace/facebook/ /twitter/instagram) Report incidents of bullying immediately. Save and/or print acts of bullying.

Remember… ALL students deserve to feel safe at school. Bullying is NEVER okay. If you are a victim, a witness, or someone who has been involved in bullying… TALK TO SOMEONE. Take a stand… Help make your school bully free!!