OBPP Overview Lindsay McGaughey Certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trainer Director of Special Education Deer Lakes School District

“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.” Bullying can be direct or indirect: hitting, verbal harassment, spreading rumors, or cyberbullying. What Is Bullying?

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

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program The most-researched and best-known bullying prevention program available today. First systematic research on bullying conducted in the early 1970s by Dr. Dan Olweus.

OBPP is... designed for ALL students preventive AND responsive focused on changing norms and restructuring the school setting research-based NOT time-limited: requires systematic efforts over time

Goals of OBPP To reduce existing bullying problems among students To prevent the development of new bullying problems To achieve better peer relations at school

Program Components School Classroom Individual Community Parents

What Can I Do If I Think My Child Is Being Bullied? Talk with your child Try to find out more about your child’s school life Share your concerns with your child’s teacher and/or principal

What Else Can I Do If My Child Is Being Bullied? Focus on your child Talk to your child’s teacher and/or principal Encourage your child to spend time with other students in her/her class Help your child meet new friends outside of school Teach your child safety strategies, such as how to seek help from an adult Make sure your child feels supported at home If your child needs help with coping or managing stress related to the incident, contact the district social worker