The persons whose photographs are depicted in the slides are models. Any characters they are portraying are fictional. This presentation gives basic bullying prevention advice, but the information it contains does not necessarily describe particular situations you may encounter. You should ask a qualified expert or professional for advice about your particular situation.

Bullying is intentional, repeated, hurtful action against someone who has less power.

Are they the same thing? OR Are they different from each other? Bullying, Conflict and Friendship Issues

Situation #1.... “Well Sarah hit me in the head and I asked her to stop but she would not.” This could be considered physical bullying. Ann did tell her to stop so Sarah knew she did not like it. So, I continued “Are you two friends?” Ann said yes. “Did you do anything to Sarah?” Ann said yes, she hit her in the head too because they were being silly but then Ann got sick of it. “Would you like to stay friends with Sarah or have Sarah just stay away from you”, Ann says “Oh no, I want to stay friends with her. Can I talk to her about how it made me feel?” Is this bullying, a conflict or a friendship issue? (Friend)

Situation #2.... “Mike is bullying me. He says he does not want to be my friend and won’t talk to me at lunch. He keeps giving me mean looks.” This could be emotional bullying. The boy may be excluding him on purpose so we continue. “Well, are you guys friends?” Bob says yes. “Did you do anything to upset him?” Well, I kicked him with my boot but that was two days ago and I said I was sorry.” I continue, “Didn’t you do that before?” Is this bullying, a conflict or a friendship issue? (Conflict)

Situation # Three girls come into my office and say Rick is bullying another child. They continue to say that he called the kid and told him that he was going to kick the ___ out of him. I take Rick directly to the principal’s office because this is unacceptable behavior. Rick says “Well I got really mad because the kid threw that ball and it hit me in my mouth where my braces are and it really hurt.” Have you ever been mean to this kid before? “No, I was just mad.” Is this bullying, a conflict or a friendship issue? (Conflict)

WBMS-Rules against Bullying: 1. First action by a bully: Bully talks with a counselor, is given a warning and the conservation is discussed with an administrator. 2.Repeated Action: The bully is pulled in to speak with counselor and administrator. The parent and/or guardian will be notified. 3.Repeated action a third time: Consequences, parent conference 4.Repeated action a fourth time: Child is Placed on Roanoke County Bully Contact and further disciplinary action.

So what’s next? We, as community, parents, staff and students, all need to work together to solve this issue!! Please do not assume we know what is going on with your student or a situation in the neighborhood; instead, call your student’s grade level counselor or administrator – we are here to help