BULLYING

A fresh look to an old problem!

Bullying is a major problem in U.S. schools

• Bullying is:

• Common

• Of increasing concern

• Too often ignored

Agenda

• What is bullying?Who bullies?

• Who gets bullied?

• Prevention begins with you

• Intervention-when bullying happens

• What not to do

• Bullying and the law

What is bullying?

• Hurtful

• Intentional

• Imbalance of power

• Continual threat

Bullying can be:

• Physical

• Verbal

• Nonverbal/relational

• Sexual

• Electronic (“cyber bullying”)

Verbal BullyingWords as Weapons

• Teasing

• Threats

• Insults

• Notes or graffiti

You may not see it.You may not hear it.But relational bullying is happening all the time.

• Exclusion

• Isolation

• Intimidation

Sexual Bullying

• Physical

• Verbal

• Relational/nonverbal

Cyber Bullying

• E-mail

• Web sites

• Cell phones

Think you know the type?Myths:

• Bullies are “loners”.

• Bullies have low self-esteem.

• Bullies are boys.

• Victims are easy to identify.

Common traits of Students who bully:

• Impulsiveness

• Dominant

• Easily frustrated

• Break the rules

• Lack of empathy

• Blame others often

There may be outside factors involved.

• Family

• Peers

Who is being bullied?

• Shy , socially isolated students

• Sensitive, insecure

• Physically weak (boys)

• Low self-esteem

• Students with disabilities

Reading the signs

• Stays close to adults

• Avoids target areas

• Frequent absences from school

• Declines in school performance

• Unhappy

Prevention begins with you!

Keys to success

• Commitment

• Cooperation

• Continuing efforts

Work together

• Coordinate with other schools in your district

• Consistency

Have a school policy: NO BULLYING!

• Review

• Communicate

Bullying incidents as prevention tools

• Report to your principal every time you witness bullying.

• Document the situation.

• Continue to track and look for patterns of bullying.

Don’t give bullying a chance in your school.

• Supervise high risk areas.

• There are several “hot spots” they include but are not limited to:

Outdoor areas

Computers

Classroom

Cafeteria and busses

More “hot spots”:

• Hallways and stair wells

• Bathrooms and locker rooms

• Recess

What can you do as a teacher or staff member?

• Make a class pact with students, the pact could be; “ We will not bully others”, or “ we will include everyone and not leave anyone out”.

• Teaching to create a caring climate with values, social skills, and by being a role model.

• Teach ways to handle bullying to by teaching students to “walk away” and not bully back.

• Encourage students to not show anger or fear, the bully wants to see them upset.

• Encourage students to tell a trusted adult.

More ways to prevent:

• Explain that standing by and watching bullying happen is almost the same as actually helping the bully.

• Get the message across to students by having class meetings, role-playing, creating posters, songs, etc. that promote respect. (Use the 6 pillars of good character)

A little praise goes a long way!

• When students behave in a positive way, take notice, every time! (ex. “It was really nice of you to invite Ben to hang out with you and your friends today”

• Offer classroom privileges or rewards for the class showing examples of respectful teamwork.

If you witness bullying you should always:

• Stop it right away.

• State the behavior.

• Support the victim.

• Involve bystanders.

• Give an immediate consequence.

Take reports of bullying serious!

• Listen carefully. ( If a parent requests a meeting with you to discuss a situation, always do it ASAP)

• Inform the principal.

• Investigate the situation. (Talk to both parties involved about what happened)

Bullying and the Law

• Code section 22.1-208.01 of Virginia states that Character education in schools is required.

• Bullying is a crime when the following occurs; sexual assault, physical assault, theft, and major property damage.

Learn all you can.

• www.StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov

• www.nea.org/schoolsafety/bullying.html

• www.getnetwise.org

Table Top ExerciseOne:

A father calls you and angrily reports something his son just told him: Tow older students have been stealing his lunch money everyday for a month. The father demands that the bullying

students be suspended, at least.

What would you say and do?