Misconceptions Lead To Vandalism Stealing Alcohol and drugs Violent crimes Depression Withdrawal

Bullying Defined The deliberate and repeated infliction of physical, verbal or emotional abuse intended to harm others

Forms of Bullying Physical Verbal Emotional or social Cyber

Physical Bullying Hitting Kicking Spitting Pushing Taking money or personal belongings

Verbal Bullying Taunting Malicious teasing Name-calling Making threats

Emotional or Social Bullying Spreading rumors Manipulating social relationships Engaging in social exclusion Extortion Intimidation

Cyber Bullying Form of emotional or social bullying Insults / threats via s Instant messaging Chat rooms Text messaging On-line diaries or blogs

Who, When and Where Involves males more than females Begins in elementary grades Takes place in & around school Often witnessed by peers

Assessing the Current Program Restructure environment Increase supervision Promote interpersonal skills Curriculum-based anti-bullying programs Cell phone and internet use

Is That Kid Being Bullied? Child most likely won’t tell Child feels ashamed Look for behavioral signs Trust your instincts

Bullies Control others Lack empathy May be popular Associate with like children

Targets Reluctance to go to school Ripped or missing belongings Decreased success in class Unexplained bruises or injuries Lowered self-esteem

Dealing with a Target Talk in private Assure child you view bullying as serious Counsel child on ways to avoid being bullied Reassure child preventative steps will be taken

Dealing with a Bully Talk in private Remind child about the rules Explain why child’s behavior was unacceptable State what behavior is expected

Witnessing Bullying Stand between the children State what you saw / heard Explain rules and consequences Talk with witnesses separately Inform other staff members

Parents Contact immediately Explain school’s concerns Be supportive and non-judgmental Plans for monitoring and resolving Ask for input Offer to update

Remember Bullying is a learned behavior Developed over a long period of time Takes time to fix Bullying is the responsibility of the bully