Olweus Intervention Suggestions

1. Olweus Intervention Suggestions The Olweus Bullying Prevention Group, 2004

2. Understanding the “Players” Authority Figure Bully Follower Defender Target Passive Bully Possible Defender Passive Supporter Disengaged Onlooker

3. “The Players” • Follower/Henchmen – Joins in but does not start the bullying • Passive Bully – supports the bullying and often urges on others but does not take active part • Passive Supporter – likes to see bullying, finds it entertaining, but does not display active support • Disengaged Onlooker – sees the bullying but does not consider it relevant to him/her • Possible Defender – dislikes bullying, thinks they should step in, but doesn’t • Defender – comes to the aid of the target

4. Develop School Rules • We will not bully others. • We will try to help students who are bullied. • We will include students who are easily left out. • When we know someone is being bullied we will tell an adult at school AND an adult at home.

5. Use Consistent Consequences • Identify consequences of active bullying, or following • Assess which are effective and which are not (different consequences work with different groups) • Develop graduated sanctions and rewards that are developmentally appropriate

6. Use Consistent Consequences • Identify positive consequences for active defending • Train students to make some display of support if possible • Train students to avoid intervening in physical bullying • Encourage group response

7. Encourage Parental Involvement • Have parents on the bullying prevention committee • Provide bullying prevention discussions at PTO • Have bullying prevention literature at home room nights and parent/teachers conference • Keep parents informed through letters

8. Student Kickoff • Use an assembly, skit, video or group activity to introduce the bullying prevention program • Introduce and POST school rules against bullying • Explain positive and negative consequences • Use classroom meetings to reinforce

9. What Adults SHOULD Do • 1. On-the-spot interventions • 2. Follow-up discussions with children who are bullied • 3. Follow-up discussions with children who bully • 4. Staff information sharing

10. On-the-Spot InterventionsThe “Teachable Moment” • 1. Stop the bullying • 2. Support the victim • 3. Name the bullying behavior • 4. Refer to school rules • 5. Impose immediate consequences (where appropriate) • 6. Thank defenders • 7. Encourage bystanders

11. Follow-Up Interventions • 1. Report the incident, increase adult vigilance and communication, and prevent retaliation. • 2. Identify staff person to talk with parties • 3. Conduct separate talks with the child bullied and the child bullying • 4. Implement supports for the child who is bullied. • 5. Impose consequences for the children who bully. • Talk with parents. • Follow-up with the involved individuals later.

12. Sharing Information with Staff • Who needs to be involved? • How are incidents reported? • Between teachers and staff • To administrators • How is information shared with parents? • How is information shared with involved students?