BULLYING A fresh look to an old problem!

Bullying is a major problem in U.S. schools Bullying is: Common Of increasing concern Too often ignored

Agenda What is bullying? Who bullies? Who gets bullied? Prevention begins with you Intervention-when bullying happens What not to do Bullying and the law

What is bullying? Hurtful Intentional Imbalance of power Continual threat

Bullying can be: Physical Verbal Nonverbal/relational Sexual Electronic (“cyber bullying”)

Verbal Bullying Words as Weapons Teasing Threats Insults Notes or graffiti

You may not see it. You may not hear it. But relational bullying is happening all the time. Exclusion Isolation Intimidation

Sexual Bullying Physical Verbal Relational/nonverbal

Cyber Bullying Web sites Cell phones

Think you know the type? Myths: Bullies are “loners”. Bullies have low self-esteem. Bullies are boys. Victims are easy to identify.

Common traits of Students who bully: Impulsiveness Dominant Easily frustrated Break the rules Lack of empathy Blame others often

There may be outside factors involved. Family Peers

Who is being bullied? Shy, socially isolated students Sensitive, insecure Physically weak (boys) Low self-esteem Students with disabilities

Reading the signs Stays close to adults Avoids target areas Frequent absences from school Declines in school performance Unhappy

Prevention begins with you!

Keys to success Commitment Cooperation Continuing efforts

Work together Coordinate with other schools in your district Consistency

Have a school policy: NO BULLYING! Review Communicate

Bullying incidents as prevention tools Report to your principal every time you witness bullying. Document the situation. Continue to track and look for patterns of bullying.

Don’t give bullying a chance in your school. Supervise high risk areas. There are several “hot spots” they include but are not limited to: Outdoor areas Computers Classroom Cafeteria and busses

More “hot spots”: Hallways and stair wells Bathrooms and locker rooms Recess

What can you do as a teacher or staff member? Make a class pact with students, the pact could be; “ We will not bully others”, or “ we will include everyone and not leave anyone out”. Teaching to create a caring climate with values, social skills, and by being a role model. Teach ways to handle bullying to by teaching students to “walk away” and not bully back. Encourage students to not show anger or fear, the bully wants to see them upset. Encourage students to tell a trusted adult.

More ways to prevent: Explain that standing by and watching bullying happen is almost the same as actually helping the bully. Get the message across to students by having class meetings, role-playing, creating posters, songs, etc. that promote respect. (Use the 6 pillars of good character)

A little praise goes a long way! When students behave in a positive way, take notice, every time! (ex. “It was really nice of you to invite Ben to hang out with you and your friends today” Offer classroom privileges or rewards for the class showing examples of respectful teamwork.

If you witness bullying you should always: Stop it right away. State the behavior. Support the victim. Involve bystanders. Give an immediate consequence.

Take reports of bullying serious! Listen carefully. ( If a parent requests a meeting with you to discuss a situation, always do it ASAP) Inform the principal. Investigate the situation. (Talk to both parties involved about what happened)

Bullying and the Law Code section of Virginia states that Character education in schools is required. Bullying is a crime when the following occurs; sexual assault, physical assault, theft, and major property damage.

Learn all you can

Table Top Exercise One: A father calls you and angrily reports something his son just told him: Tow older students have been stealing his lunch money everyday for a month. The father demands that the bullying students be suspended, at least. What would you say and do?