Bullying Prevention

Bullying PreventionRecognizing the signs of bullying and understanding what parents can do to helpNorth Carolina Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies CMS Bullying Prevention Policies & Efforts

What is considered bullying?TypesComponentsVerbalPhysicalEmotionalPropertySexualCyberIntentionalRepeatedPower Imbalance

Differences in Cyber BullyingAnonymityUninhibitedYou cant see me, I cant see youAccessibility24/7Punitive FearsVictims dont report for fear of having phone/computer privileges taken awayThere are no bystanders Face to face confrontation is not witnessed

Differentiating Bullying from NormalPeer Conflict/Mean BehaviorNormal conflict/mean behaviorBullyingEqual power or are friendsHappens occasionallyAccidentalNot seriousEqual emotional reactionNot seeking powerRemorse-will take responsibilityEffort to solve the problemImbalance of powerRepeated negative actionsIntentionalPhysical or emotional harmUnequal emotional reactionSeeking control/material thingsNo remorse-blames targetNo effort to solve the problemFor the target, bullying is a loss experience.LOSS of safetyLOSS of self-esteemLOSS of belongingLOSS of control over their own life

Effects of Bullying onthe TargetPhysical EffectsEmotional EffectsStomach achesWeight loss/gainHeadachesDrop in gradesDrug or alcohol useSexual activityPhysical aggressionSuicidalHomicidalAlienationLow self-esteemInsecurityFEARDepressionWithdrawnAggressionAngerVengefulWarning Signs that your child may a target of bulliesFrequently teased, taunted belittled,ridiculed, intimidated threatened,dominated or subduedHas a derogatory nicknameRegularly has bruises or injuries thatcant be explainedHas belongings taken or damagedFew or no close friends at schoolFrequently socially isolatedLess assertive or lacks the skills to respond to others teasing or harassmentAppears weak or easily dominatedTries to stay close to a teacher or other adult at recess or breaks

What To Do if you suspect your child is being bulliedTalk with your childIf your child is being bullied, they need to have a voice in how the situation is handled.Contact the schoolSet up a meeting with your childs teacher(s) or counselor.Consider including the school resource officer if applicable.Develop a plan for keeping your child safe, particularly during vulnerable times (class breaks, lunch, recess).Find out what activities or counseling options are available for your child.Contact police or school resource officerIf the actions are criminal (assault, theft, serious threats, vandalism)Recommendations if you suspect your child is being bulliedDont encourage your child to fight back--twowrongs dont make a right!Listen to your child, do not ignore your childsplea for help.Dont confront the parents or the other childdirectly.Avoid bringing your child and the bully togetherto elicit an apology or resolve the issue.Recommendations for Cyber BullyingKeep computers in a common roomEstablish rules for Internet useKnow your childs passwords friend your child on social networking sitesGoogle your childUtilize parental controls for cell phonesCyber bullying can be reported directly to social media sites

11What about the bully?Studies show that children identified as bullies by age 8 are six times more likely to be convicted of a crime by age 24. (Brewster & Railsback)60% of kids characterized as bullies in the 6th-9th grade had at least one criminal conviction by age 24. (Brewster & Railsback)Bullies are five times more likely to end up with a serious criminal record by age 30. (National Association of School Psychologists)Contributing FactorsAssociated with BullyingFamily FactorsLack of attention and warmthModeling of aggressive behavior at homePoor supervisionIndividual FactorsActive, impulsive personalityLack of empathy for othersCraves attention and approval from othersSchoolSchool climate is perceived as uncaring or indifferentTeachers/staff unaware or unclear of bullying definitions or how to respond

What motivates a bully?Bullies prey on an imbalance of power.They may be seeking attention.They need to make themselves feel more important.They need a particular reaction from the other members of the group.Bullies believe their behavior is exciting and makes them more popular.They may be coping with a loss.They may have an active and impulsive temperament.They may be victims of bullying/abuse.They may see violence modeled at home or elsewhere in their lives.They may have low self-esteem.

Warning Signs that your child may be bullying othersFrequent name-callingRegular braggingA need to always get his/her own waySpending more time with younger or less powerful kidsA lack of empathy for othersA defiant or hostile attitude; easily takes offenseFrequent misbehavior at school (e.g. name calling, teasing, intimidating, physical aggression)What To Do if you suspect your child may be bullyingTalk with your childNever condone bullying behavior; speak up and tell your child that the behavior they are engaging in is considered bullying.Encourage empathy for othersRemind your child that everyone has a right to be themselves, to choose their own friends and to feel safe at school.Review consequences of bullying behaviorBoth discipline consequences and relationship consequencesReinforce respectful behaviors at homeHelp your child deal with feelings in positive waysContact the school for helpSet up a meeting with your childs teacher(s) or counselor.Develop a plan for change.School Interventions/Consequences for BullyingWarningVerbal and writtenPermanently documentedCoaching/InterventionAnger Management, Conflict Resolution/ Communication/Problem Solving Skills, Diversity Training during Saturday school or before, during, or after school detention.May be provided by administrators, teachers, counselors, school psychologists, or school resource officersSuspension/ExpulsionReferral to Law Enforcement (if applicable)Discussion & QuestionsSpecial thanks to

The information in this presentation can be found at http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/documents/bully.pdf