1. Bullying in Wareham Schools
A. Cattabriga

2. Bullying: A Definition
Bullying is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

3. Bullying…
causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target's property;
places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to his/her property;
creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.  Bullying includes cyberbullying

4. Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet.  It includes, but not limited to , instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings.

5. Signs a Child is Being Bullied
Unexplainable injuries
Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

6. Discipline
The penalties for bullying, cyberbullying and retaliation fall under "Group E of the Student Conduct Code for Wareham Public Schools".  The penalties for such offenses will reflect the severity of the offense.  Penalities may include, but not be limited to any one or combination of  the following:
verbal admonition,
written reprimand,
suspension or expulsion from school,
and/or counseling.

7. Signs a Child May be a Bully
Get into physical or verbal fights
Have friends who bully others
Are increasingly aggressive
Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
Blame others for their problems
Don’€™t accept responsibility for their actions
Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

8. Children Who Are Bullied May…
can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:
Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.
Health complaints
Decreased academic performance
A very small number of bullied children might retaliate through extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.

9. Kids Who Bully Others are More Likely to…
Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults
Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school
Engage in early sexual activity
Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults 
Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults

10. Children Who Witness Bullying are Likely to…
Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
Miss or skip school

11. How to Talk About Bullying
The best way to prevent bullying is to educate students about the dangers of bullying.
Help Kids Understand Bullying
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Encourage Kids to Do What They Love
Model How to Treat Others with Kindness and Respect

12. Activities to Teach Students About Bullying
Internet or library research, such as looking up types of bullying, how to prevent it, and how kids should respond
Presentations, such as a speech or role-play on stopping bullying
Discussions about topics like reporting bullying
Creative writing, such as a poem speaking out against bullying or a story or skit teaching bystanders how to help
Artistic works, such as a collage about respect or the effects of bullying
Classroom meetings to talk about peer relations

13. Writing About Bullying: How can we help?
Choose a grade appropriate story in which a character is being bullied. Have the students write a paragraph or two on how they would help if they were a part of the story.
Suggested stories:
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Cinderella
The New Girl by Meg Cabot
Hercules

14. More Lessons on Bullying

15. Resources http://www.warehamps.org/district/schools/wms/bullying.html