1. Creating a Safe Environment for LGBT Youth: Education and Tools for Bullying Prevention in the Schools Mary Yoder Holsopple Bullying Prevention Coordinator Elkhart Community Schools LGBT Advocacy: Finding the Road in Indiana October 28, 2011

2. Why bother? The National Education Association estimates that 160,000 students miss school every day because of fear of attack or intimidation by a bully. That totals 28 million school days per year. Source: Northwest Indiana News: nwitimes.com 1/30/06

3. The “plan” 1.Clearly define bullying—do you know it when you see it? 2.Children at risk 3.Myths, motivation, risk factors 4.Prevention principles and best practices for creating a safe environment 5.Bullying circle 6.Conversation

4. “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.” Olweus Definition of Bullying:

5. 5 Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior 1.Involves an aggressive behavior 2.Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time 3.Imbalance of power or strength

6. 6 Types of Bullying Direct--Hitting, taunting, name calling Indirect—Rumors, exclusion, cyber bullying

7. 7 Distinguishing Among… Bullying Rough-and- Tumble Play Real Fighting

8. If it looks mean, if it sounds mean, intervene…

9. 9 BULLYING = PEER ABUSE

10. Children at Higher Risk of Being Bullied: Children with disabilities, special needs, and health problems Children who are obese Children who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or who are questioning their identities (GLBTQ)

11. Gay bashing The typical high school student hears anti-gay slurs 25.5 times a day. Ten second intervention

12. Ten Second Intervention “I heard that. It’s not appropriate. Don’t say it again.” 12

13. Common Myths About Children who Bully “Children who bully are loners.” “Children who bully have low self- esteem.” © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

14. 14 Why is it important to address bullying in schools? 1.For students and their futures 2.For a healthy school climate 3.For the larger community 4.For the purposes of risk management for schools 5.It’s a wise investment © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

15. 15 It’s a question of rights. Ultimately... © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

16. 16 Group Mechanisms in Bullying Social contagion Weakening inhibitions against aggression A decreased sense of individual responsibility Gradual changes in the view of bullied student(s) © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

17. 17 School Risk Factors for Problems of Bullying Lack of supervision during breaks Students have indifferent or accepting attitudes Staff have indifferent or accepting attitudes towards bullying © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

18. 18 Misdirections in Bullying Prevention and Intervention Simple, short-term solutions “Program du jour approaches” Group treatment for children who bully Anger management or self-esteem enhancement for children who bully Zero tolerance policies for bullying Mediation/conflict resolution to resolve bullying issues Selecting inappropriate supplemental materials © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

19. 19 Prevention Principles That Work 1.Warmth, positive interest, and involvement are needed on the part of adults in school. 2.Set firm limits to unacceptable behavior. 3.Consistently use nonphysical, nonhostile negative consequences when rules are broken. 4.Adults in the school should act as authorities and positive role models. © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

20. 20 Implications of Key Principles 1.Adults are responsible 2.Clear and consistent message 3.Short and long-term focus 4.Follow model with fidelity 5.Bullying prevention becomes part of everyday life at school © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

21. 21 Implications of Key Principles 6. Student involvement in changing climate 7. Student learning about bullying 8. Bully prevention is NOT peer mediation or conflict resolution 9. Bully prevention is not a classroom management technique © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

22. Best Practices Focus on the social environment of the school Assess bullying at your school Obtain staff and parent buy-in and support for bullying prevention

23. Best Practices continued Form a group to coordinate the school’s bullying prevention activities. Provide training for school staff in bullying prevention Establish and enforce school rules and policies related to bullying

24. Best Practices continued Increase adult supervision in “hot spots” for bullying Intervene consistently and appropriately when you see bullying Devote class time to bullying prevention Continue these efforts

25. 25 What Roles Do Students Play In Bullying Situations? B C D H G E F A Start the bullying and take an active part Take an active part, but do not start the bullying Support the bullying, but do not take an active part Like the bullying, but do not display open support Watch what happens, don’t take a stand Dislike the bullying and think they ought to help, but don’t do it Dislike the bullying, help or try to help the bullied student The one who is being bullied Student Who Is Bullied Students Who Bully Followers Supporters Passive Supporters Disengaged Onlookers Possible Defenders © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

26. Let’s talk about it Where on the Bully Circle are most of the students in your school? How can you help the bystander become a helpful defender?

27. 27 Why Adults Don’t Always Intervene: Have difficulty recognizing bullying Fail to recognize the importance of intervening Uncertain how best to intervene Lack of time © The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2007

28. Let’s talk about it Given what we learned from Graham’s presentation and what we now know about best practices in bullying prevention, how can we create a safe environment for LGBT Youth?

29. www.stopbullying.gov www.olweus.org www.clemson.edu/olweus www.stopbullyingworld.org For more information

30. Mary Yoder Holsopple Bullying Prevention Coordinator Elkhart Community Schools 201 West Wolf Street Elkhart, IN 46516 574-295-4840 mholsopple@elkhart.k12.in.us

31. sources Some power point slides from training slides provided by the Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2004 & 2007, 2009 as noted. www.stopbullyingworld.org www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov Davis, Stan Schools Where Everyone Belongs, Research Press, 2007 Williard, Nancy cyberbullying and cyberthreats, Research Press, 2007