8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

1/17

York Region Bullying Prevention York Region Bullying PreventionPartnershipPartnership

Georgina School Council ForumGeorgina School Council Forum

May 3, 2011May 3, 2011

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

2/17

The York RegionThe York RegionBullying PreventionBullying Prevention

Partnership:Partnership: The York Region Bullying PreventionThe York Region Bullying PreventionPartnership is an emerging coalition of Partnership is an emerging coalition of

community agencies andcommunity agencies andorganizations that work with children,organizations that work with children,youth and adults. These partnersyouth and adults. These partnerscombine their resources to strategizecombine their resources to strategizeand mobilize awareness andand mobilize awareness andprevention opportunities in York prevention opportunities in York Region communitiesRegion communities . Effective bullying. Effective bullyingprevention requires a comprehensiveprevention requires a comprehensiveapproach.approach.

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

3/17

The York RegionThe York RegionBullying Prevention Partnership:Bullying Prevention Partnership:

Who We AreWho We Are

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

4/17

Bullying

Bullying is intentionally hurtfulbehaviour that happensrepeatedly

Its about using power in anaggressive way to hurt others

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

5/17

Bullyingis not

A conflict between friendsAn argument between people of

equal powerDisagreementsAccidental

A one-time eventSomething that people grow outof

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

6/17

Participants

The person who Bullies

The person who is Targeted

People who are theBystanders, Witnesses,Defenders/Supporter

People who are Instigators

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

7/17

Types of Bullying

PhysicalVerbal

Social/RelationalCyber (Electronic)

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

8/17

HarassmentBullying and harassment behaviours aresimilar, but

Harassment is also a human rights issue. and these

rights are protected by legislation. In Ontario, thisis based on the Ontario Human Rights Code andthe Canadian Charter of Human Rights andFreedoms and school boards Ministry Code of Conduct.

It is similar to bullying because someone hurtsanother person.

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

9/17

Harassment

It is a specific form of discrimination itdeliberately insults, intimidates,degrades or humiliates or offends anindividual or group of individuals

Bullying is a relationship issue, whileharassment is a human rights issue.

An individual, over 12 years of age,can be charged with harassment.

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

10/17

Your Role as Parent

Prevention Modelling appropriate behaviour assertive vs. aggressive

Authority vs.. authoritarian

Open dialogue with child/youth Decision - making skills Conflict resolution skills Trusting relationship Watch for early signs of distress

Acknowledge - Assess - Act Develop social safety standards

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

11/17

Common Symptoms

Weak social network Problems with relationships

Poor mental healthDecline in academicsDecline in overall motivationStress symptoms

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

12/17

Parent Role

Intervention Gather information: Ask open-ended, non-

threatening questions Assess the level of threat to assess level of

intervention Gather external supports where required Act with and on behalf of child/youth as

appropriate Provide psychological support Provide physical safety support

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

13/17

Advising if TargetedWhich strategies you use will depend on who youare, what the situation is Use your best judgment.Stay close to students you can count on tostick up for you.Stay away from areas where bullying tends to

happen.Talk to someone you trust, like your parents, afriend, a teacher, a counsellor, or coach. Theycan offer support and help develop a plan toend the harassment.Think about how your behaviour may bemaking the problem bigger or smaller.

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

14/17

Advising the TargetDo whats right. Dont carrying a weapon forprotection!Keep your cool and walk away, even thoughyou might be upset.Share your feelings with people you trust.

You dont have to struggle alone.Be assertive, not aggressive. Fighting back can make things worse.Remember! Its not your fault. No onedeserves to be bullied.Its okay to ask for help. You dont have tosolve this problem on your own.

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

15/17

Advising the Bystander

Offer support to those targeted.Refuse to join in if you see someone beingbullied .Attempt to defuse bullying situations when you see

them starting up. Do not place yourself at risk,however.Get help from a teacher, parent or otherresponsible adult.

Encourage the target to talk with their parentsand/or a trusted adult.Document accurately what you have seen andheard.

Dont ignore the situation and pretend nothinghas ha ened.

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

16/17

Advising the Person Bullying

Prevention Acknowledge Assess Act

Intervention: Ask the questions :

What just happened?

What was I thinking that led me to dothis?

Who has been affected by what I have

done?

8/3/2019 Brian Smockum_May 3

17/17

Resources

www.prevnet.cawww.cmha.cawww.redcross.ca

http://www.prevnet.ca/http://www.cmha.ca/http://www.redcross.ca/http://www.redcross.ca/http://www.cmha.ca/http://www.prevnet.ca/