Review Second Step program. The parent/school partnership What schools do to prevent bullying Parent suggestions

WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone repeatedly hurts, frightens, threatens, or leaves someone out on purpose. Physical violence and attacks Verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs Threats and intimidation Extortion or stealing of money and possessions Social isolation

The Three R’s of Responding to Bullying Refuse to Be Bullied Report the bullying Recognize the bullying

Reporting Bullying Students learn that it is okay to report bullying to an adult anytime. They also learn to report bullying to an adult immediately if: Someone is unsafe Someone is touching or showing private body parts. Refusing doesn’t work.

The Role Of A Bystander Anyone standing near or aware that bullying has occurred. Their job is to support those being bullied by: –Being assertive and refusing to let others be bullied –Reporting the bullying to an adult

Teaches kids the definition of respect Teaching friendship building skills Teaching assertiveness Teaching empathy

Family Factors Children who lack attention Parents who model aggression Poor parental supervision Lack of warmth toward a child Individual Factors Temperament (Impulsive kids are more likely to be bullies) Physically strong boys (Are more likely to be bullies than weaker boys) Myth- Bullies have low self- esteem. Fact- They have average to above average self-esteem.

Have a peer mediation program A culture of warmth and acceptance Administrative support Programs that address bullying

Northport-East Northport Board of Education Policy Harassment of Students The Board of Education is committed to having students feel safe at school- safe from violence, safe from humiliation, and safe from bullying. The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the rights of all students within the school district and fostering a learning environment that is free from all forms of harassment. Verbal abuse by students against students consisting of threats, insults against family and any foul language. Purposely bumping, pushing, tripping, shoving another student. Sexual, racial, religious or ethnic graffiti on desks, walls and in written notes.

Kids who are: Quiet and shy Not assertive in their responses to bullying Victims typically lack friendships and social support Provocative and non-provocative

Long-term Consequences for Victims? Victims tend to be unhappy, suffer from fear, anxiety and low self-esteem Victims may avoid school Victims may become depressed over a long period of exposure to bullying Kids tend to avoid social situations

Schools Can: Provide good supervision for kids Provide effective consequences Facilitate home/school communication Create a culture of safety, warmth and caring No tolerance for bullying! Provide a educationally based program to reduce aggression and violence

What Can Parents Do if Their Child is Being Bullied? Ask your child directly. They may not want to talk about it. Some signs are: avoiding school, social isolation, missing belongings, torn clothing, anxiety and fear. Work with the school. Talk to the teacher first, then if necessary ask for a meeting with the counselor and teacher together. It the bullying continues then speak to the principal of the school. If you have a timid child who lacks friends, try to arrange for positive social groups which meet his or her interests. Develop your child’s special skills and confidence in the context of a positive social group.

Do Not Overreact. Take a deep breath! Depending on the severity of the problem, you will need to decide whether to notify school authorities and other parents. Listen To Your Child. Avoid questions such as “Why don’t you just stand up to him?” Talk To Your Child. Talk to your child about what makes people act like bullies. Bullies are people who are usually confused or unhappy. Review Options. Review Options with your child. It is not a good idea to tell the target of bullying to respond in kind, especially to physical aggression; it may place your child at risk. Don’t tell them to go along with what the bully says. Seek others out! Encourage Other Friendships. Create and encourage options for your child to join clubs or teams. Invite other kids over. Play dates! Boost Child’s Confidence. Praise him/her for facing fears

If Your Child is A Bully Take the problem seriously Look for underlying problems that may be causing your child to feel angry or frustrated Supervise your child’s behavior more closely Respond to incidents of bullying with consequences Teach alternative approaches Model negotiation skills Notice and reward positive social behavior