Bullying Prevention and Intervention!

Presentation to the Newton School Committee November 22, 2010!

2008 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

n  Newton students were asked whether they had been bullied during the 30 days prior to taking this survey. n  19% of Newton students reported that they were

bullied in school. n  8% were bullied on the way to or from school. n  14% were bullied when NOT in or on the way to

or from school. n  15% were bullied on the Internet.

Vulnerable Populations!n  Certain student groups may be more vulnerable

to becoming targets of bullying.!n  These include students with disabilities, and

students identified as gay or lesbian.!n  The schools seek to create a safe, supportive

environment in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying. !

What’s Needed!

n  New policy and procedures n  Clear expectations for students n  Professional development for all staff n  Parent and community education and outreach n  Evidence-based curricula

Definition!

n  Bullying is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination directed at a target. It results in…!

Bullying results in the following outcomes:!

n  Causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to his or her property,!

n  Places the target in reasonable fear of harm to him or herself or of damage to his or her property,!

n  Creates a hostile environment at school for the target,!

n  Infringes on the rights of the target at school; or!n  Places the target in reasonable fear of harm to

him or herself or of damage to his or her property.!

Cyberbullying!

n  Cyberbullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic means, and includes the distribution of electronic communications or the posting of electronic material that may be accessed by one or more persons.!

Where Prohibited?!n  At school and at all school facilities!n  At school-sponsored or school-related functions,

whether on or off school grounds!n  On school buses and school bus stops!n  Through the use of technology or an electronic

device owned, licensed or used by a school; and!n  At non-school-related locations and through

non-school technology or electronic devices, if the bullying affects the school environment.!

Retaliation!

n  Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying. !

Students with Special Needs!n  Whenever the Team indicates that the child has a

disability that affects social skills development or that the child is vulnerable to bullying because of the child's disability, the IEP shall address the skills and proficiencies needed to avoid and respond to bullying.!

Policy and Procedures!n  New Reporting Form!n  Staff Obligation to Report!n  May Report Anonymously!n  Parent Notification!n  Police Notification!n  Investigation: New Form!n  Discipline Code Amended!n  Harassment Based on Protected Class Remains

Prohibited!

Interventions!n  Monitor and assure the continued safety of all parties.

Develop and implement a safety plan for the target and witnesses as needed.!

n  Provide necessary supports for target.!n  Require relevant educational activities for individual

students or groups of students.!n  Refer to psycho/social educational groups or

workshops.!n  Develop an action plan directed toward helping the

aggressor recognize and correct behaviors. !n  Conduct parent conferences.!

Interventions (continued)!n  Refer to intervention groups and/or individual

counseling for all parties as appropriate.!n  Monitor behaviors, and as needed, develop a behavioral

contract.!n  Work with bystanders to empower them in becoming

part of the solution.!n  Enhance adult supervision on school premises.!n  Limit or deny student access to a part or area of a school

and/or to the students involved.!n  Require classroom or school transfers.!n  Exclude from participation in school-sponsored or

school-related functions, afterschool programs, and/or extracurricular activities!

Parent and Community Education and Outreach!

n  New NPS Webpage:!n  Easy access to Policy and Procedures!n  Links to Resources!n  Reporting On-line!

n  Newton Partnership, PTO, and school-based programs!

Professional Development!

n  December 16 Early Release Day!n  Training for all staff led by Elizabeth

Englander from MARC!n  Exploring Annual Training Options for

future!

Curricula!

n  Open Circle/Responsive Classroom!n  Library Internet Safety Unit!n  Steps to Respect!n  Second Step!n  High Schools in Planning Stage!

The Red Balloon, 1956!

Albert Lamorisse, Director!

The Red Balloon, 1956!