What’s the Big Deal About Bullying? PARENT PRESENTATION 2012-2013

What’s the Big Deal? Bullying happens on an average of every 7 minutes on school playgrounds 60% male bullies will have 1 conviction by age 24 85% of the school population are bystanders Bullying is one of the leading causes of suicide >90% of victims’ grades will drop Here are some statistics about the affects of bullying Is there anything that is surprising? The most important one to remember is that bullying and suicide are highly correlated

What is Bullying? A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons. Olweus, 1992 What do you think of when you hear of bullying?

Bullying is… P =Purposeful (intentionally trying to hurt another person) I = Imbalance of power (bigger, older, part of a group) C = Continues (not a one time event; happens over time) 3 main characteristics -- intentional, imbalance of power, occurs repeatedly 82% of educators mis-identify bullying situations because they over identify ALL physical aggression as bullying

Normal Peer Conflict vs. Bullying Equal power or friends Happens occasionally Accidental Not serious Equal emotional reaction Not seeking power or attention Not trying to get something Remorse -- will take responsibility Effort to solve the problem Bullying Imbalance of power; not friends Repeated negative actions Purposeful Serious with threat of physical or emotional harm Strong emotional reaction from victim and little or no emotional reaction from bully Seeking power, control, or material things No remorse -- blames victim No effort to solve problems Reference: Bullyproofing Your School -- Garrity, Jens, Porter, Sager, and Short-Camilli Not all teasing is bullying. Teasing is a normal and healthy part of development and growing up. It occurs when both parties agree to participate. When teasing becomes one-sided, repeated, and unwanted, it crosses the line into bullying. Read 2 scenarios After each scenario, ask audience whether or not it is bullying. How did you know? If it is bullying, what kind of bullying is it? Segue…now that we’ve talked about some background information about bullying, we want to show you practical ways to bullyproof your children.

Types of Bullying Physical Aggression Social Alienation Verbal Aggression Intimidation “Cyber” Bullying Sexual Harassment

What is “Cyberbullying?” Cyberbullying: the intentional and repeated harm of others through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Examples: mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Characteristics: Can be anonymous Impact can be wider reaching (speed and breadth of internet is damaging) Can be children who might not have otherwise engaged in bullying behavior (it is easier to be cruel when the bully is sheltered from target’s responses)

Preventing Cyberbullying Be aware of what your kids are doing online Know the sites your kids visit and their online activities Have a sense of what they do online and in texts. Learn about the sites they like. Try out the devices they use Ask to “friend” or “follow” your kids on social media sites or ask another trusted adult to do so Establish Rules about technology use Be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re online Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others

Warning Signs Sudden change in school attendance/academic performance Difficulty concentrating in class Lonely, withdrawn, isolated Poor or no social/interpersonal skills Frequent complaints of headaches, pains, etc…

What Can Parents Do? Ask your child for specifics Listen Contact the school as soon as possible Avoid confronting the other student’s parents Arrange for your child to join social groups, team sports, clubs or organizations that meet his/her interests

Future of the Trend Old Attitude Not my problem New Attitude Everyone’s responsibility Everyone is responsible for dealing with bullying - students, staff, parents and community members.