“Bullying Prevention Overview” Presenter Jim Rhoads, MA The Foundation for Educational Administration & New Jersey Principals' Association Presents

2 About your Presenter Consultant and Owner of Success Strategies for Students Instructor Stockton College Elementary & Middle School Teacher & Principal for 30 Years Director of Testing & Curriculum Board of Trustees for the GCCS Jim Rhoads Certified Olweus Bullying Trainer

Provide an Overview of What Bullying is and What it is not. Identify key components of a successful Bullying Prevention Program Outline steps to the successful implementation of an Anti-Bullying Prevention Program in Accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights

4 thetrevorproject.org/ “It Gets Better”

If a friend or loved one is talking about or planning to take his or her life, reach out for help now. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK

Facts and Myths about Bullying

Studies suggest that fewer than 10% of children are involved in bullying problems in elementary or middle school. False

Nansel, T. R., M. Overpeck, R. S. Pilla, W. J. Ruan, B. Simmons-Morton, and P. Scheidt, “Bullying Behaviors among U.S. Youth,” Journal of the American Medical Association 16 (2001): 2094–2100.

The vast majority of children who are bullied tell a teacher or other member of the school staff. False

Many children do not report bullying to school staff. Older students and boys are less likely than younger students and girls to report their victimization.

Bullying is just as likely on the way to and from school as during school hours. False

48% Hallways / stairwells 32% In class (with teacher absent) 29%In gym class/locker rooms 27%In class (with teacher present) 24%In lunchroom 17%In the bathroom 16%On way to and from school 15%On the bus 8%At the bus stop 12

Most students who observe bullying don’t think they should get involved. False

38% Nothing. I think the bullying is OK/I take part /I just watch. 14 What do you usually do when you see a student being bullied? 27% I don’t do anything, but I think I should help. 35% I try to help him or her.

Adults usually have a very accurate sense of the bullying that goes on in their school. False

70% of teachers believed that adults intervene almost all the time; only 25% of students agreed % of teachers on playgrounds say they intervene ALL the time; videotapes showed intervention 5% of the time 2

Take a moment to write a definition of what you think bullying is. What Is Bullying?

“Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.” What Is Bullying? Dr. Dan Olweus

1. Involves an aggressive behavior 2. Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time 3. Involves an imbalance of power or strength

A bit about Cyber Bullying 20 A bit about Sexting

Must complete anti bullying training—Educators, Administrators, & Board 0f Education Members Must establish a bullying prevention approach/program Must form a school-wide safety committee Each school must appoint an anti bullying specialist Must provide a detailed procedure included in district policy concerning incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying 21

Must post its Anti- bullying policy on school website Must appoint district anti -bullying coordinator District to post grade on school website Verbal report within 24 hours Written report within 2 days 10 days to complete investigation 2 days to report to the superintendent 22

Simple, short-term solutions Group treatment for children who bully “Program du jour” approaches Anger management or self-esteem enhancement for children who bully Zero-tolerance policies for bullying Mediation/conflict resolution to resolve bullying issues

24 #1 Focus on the social environment of the school

25 #2 Assess bullying at your school

26 #3 Garner staff and parent support for bullying prevention

27 #4 Form your safety committee

28 #5 Train your staff in bullying prevention

29 #6 Establish and enforce school rules and policies related to bullying

30 #7 Increase adult supervision in hot spots where bullying occurs

31 #8 Intervene consistently and appropriately in bullying situations

32 #9 Focus some class time on bullying prevention

33 #10 Continue these efforts over time

It is possible to reduce bullying. It requires a team effort. It requires a long-term commitment.