Bullying & Cyberbullying: A Community Concern American Association of University Women Napa County Branch Presentation

Bullying is defined as making fun of, putting down, or threatening (physically, verbally or both) another person. Bullying is done on purpose and is often repeated. Bullying 101 2

Napa County Office of Education, May

To Be Mean! Marlielena Zuniga, “Mean Girls,”

With the growth of the digital age… Comes Cyberbullying  Cyberbullying is willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Hinduja, Patchin. Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard, 2009  Instant messaging is often used, on computers as well as cell phones. 5

Fatal Results of Cyberbullying……. 13-year old kills herself! –October, 2006 Megan Meier was cyberbullied through a MySpace account by a friend’s mother who posed as a young man. Ryan Halligan, 13 years old. In October 2003 he took his own life after months of being bullied online. He was teased, taunted, called “gay” online and off. 6

In Napa County, California % of teens age use the internet. 47% of children have received s with links to pornographic websites. 95% of parents can not identify common chat room lingo. 1 in 4 sixth grade students have become friends with a stranger online and 1 in 10 have attempted to meet an online friend face to face. 86% of girls say they can chat online without their parents permission. 28% of teens say they use code words on a daily basis to hide their online conversations from their parents. The Parent, Educator and Community Action Guide 7

So why is this happening? (Why do young people seem to accept cyberbullying as OK?) “You can’t see me./ I can’t see you.” “Everybody does It.” “Life online is just a game.” “What happens online stays online.” “No supervision - no consequences.” “On the Internet, I have the free-speech right to write or post anything I want. 8 Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D. Center for Safe and Responsible Use of the Internet, 2007

Warning signs of cyberbullying: bully or victim 1.Quickly switches screens or closes programs when someone walks by 2.Uses the computer or phone until all hours of the night 3.Gets unusually upset if she/he cannot use the computer or phone or after using the computer 4.Laughs excessively while using the computer 5.Appears nervous or jumpy when an IM message appears. 6.Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer 7.Becomes withdrawn from friends and family 9

 Instant Message - IM  Flaming  Harassment  Impersonation  Online Grooming  Exclusion  Sexting  Cyberstalking Terms to know… 10

Effects of Bullying People who are bullied: -Have higher risk of depression and anxiety including these symptoms that may persist into adulthood: Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness Changes in sleep and eating patterns Loss of interest in activities -May have increased thoughts about suicide -Are more likely to have health complaints -Are more likely to retaliate through extreme violent measures. Stopbullying.gov,

More Effects of Bullying People Who Bully Others: Have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults. Are more likely to get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school. Are more likely to have convictions and traffic citations as adults. Are more likely to be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses or children as adults. Stopbullying.gov.,

Still More Effects of Bullying People Who Witness Bullying: May have increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. May have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Are more likely to miss or skip school. Stopbullying.gov,

Laws 45 states have passed laws to deter bullying in public schools. Currently 31 states have legislation that includes electronic harassment. (Patchin & Hinduja, 2012). California Education Code includes bullying, harassment and school sanctions. First Amendment Rights FERPA 14

What could teachers or counselors do if a student reports being Bullied/Cyberbullied? 1.Ensure the safety of the student (victim). 2.Investigate and gather information. 3.Contact the child’s parents. 4.Contact the Internet Service Provider. 5.Contact the police if physical threats are involved. 6.Enforce disciplinary policy. Hinduja, Patchin. Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard:162,

So what can schools do? 1.Have clear rules regarding the use of computers and other technological devices. 2.Educate teachers, students, and staff about these rules on a regular basis with updates as needed. Review reporting guidelines. 3.Inform teachers about the signs of someone who is bullied or signs of a bully. 4.Ask teachers to respond or step in to help a victim of bullying. 16

What is NVUSD is doing?: BEST is mandatory at all school sites BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE –Positively stated behavioral expectations taught and reinforced 15 – 20 times per year –Positive Reinforcement System (e.g. “Blue Eagle” / “Dragon” Tickets) when students demonstrate desired behaviors –Consistent correction when problem behaviors occur (reteaching, parent contact, restorative practices) 17

What NVUSD is Doing: Research based Social Emotional Curriculum mandatory grades K-8: –Second Step –Steps to Respect –Life Skills Training Empathy Problem Solving Skills Anger Management Bullying 18

NVUSD New Board Policy Positive School Climate Board Policy –Innovative, one of only two in the state (LAUSD) –Describe responsibilities of students, teachers, parents, administrators –Consequences for misconduct explicitly described –Use of more supportive interventions aimed at teaching new behaviors, not just sanctioning students 19

Tips for Parents/Concerned Friends 1.Keep computers in easily viewable places. (Family room, kitchen…never the bedroom.) 2.Keep the lines of communication open, recognizing that the internet and cell phones are here to stay. 3.Learn about and use the new technologies. 4.Talk about guarding passwords! 5.Talk to kids about social networking sites and how to stay safe, (example: go over MySpace rules together.) 6.Check out these sites:

Communication “A warm and communicative parent-child relationship is the most important non- technical means that parents can use to deal with the challenges of the sexualized media environment.” Greenfield. Harvard Study,

Last, but not least “Kids …say parents should be a little more involved, but as one kid said, they want supervision, not ‘snooper vision.’” S. Limber, Congressional Quarterly Researcher,

It is all about Becoming Aware Increasing Communication Providing an Environment Where Student Learning Can Thrive And being safe! 23