Bullying In Schools

1. Bullying In Schools Hutchinson Public Schools

2. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Hutchinson Public Schools Belief Statement

3. Impact of Bullying About 56 percent of all students have witnessed a bullying crime take place while at school. A reported 15 percent of all absent students report it to being out of fear of being bullied. About 71 percent of students that report bullying as an on-going problem. About one in 10 students drops out or changes schools because of repeated bullying. Source: www.bullyingstatistics.org

4. Impact of Cyberbullying • Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying. • More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyber threats online. • Over 25 percent of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet. • Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs. Source: i-SAFE Foundation

5. Understanding the Problem • 60% of those boys identified as bullies have a criminal record by the time they are 24 years old. • Interpersonal violence is the second leading cause of death ages 15 to 24. • Bullying has been named as the cause of both student suicide and student homicide. • 160,000 students missed school each day due to fear of bullying. • Source: US Department of Justice and National School Association of School Psychologists

6. What is Bullying? "A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.“ --Dan Olweus, creator of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

7. USD 308 Bullying Policy • Aligns with Kansas anti-bullying law • Definition of Bullying in part: … Any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal or physical act or threat that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for a student or staff member …

8. Why Students Bully • Students who bully have strong needs for power and negative dominance. • Students who bully find satisfaction in causing injury and suffering to other students. • Students who bully are often rewarded in some way for their behavior with material or psychological rewards. Source: www.olweus.org

9. Types of Bullying 1. Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names2. Bullying through social exclusion or isolation3. Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting4. Bullying through lies and false rumors5. Having money or other things taken or damaged6. Being threatened or being forced to do things7. Racial bullying8. Sexual bullying9. Cyber bullying (via cell phone or Internet) Source: www.olweus.org

10. Normal Conflict vs. Bullying Equal power; friends vs. Imbalance of power; not friends Happens occasionally vs. Repeated negative actions Accidental vs. Purposeful  Not serious vs. Serious—threat of physical harm or emotional or psychological hurt Equal emotional reaction vs. Strong emotional reaction on part of the victim Not seeking power or attention  vs. Seeking power, control Not trying to get something vs. Trying to gain material things or power Remorse—takes responsibility  vs. No remorse—blames victim Effort to solve problem vs. No effort to solve problem Marla Bonds, Psy.D, Sally Stoker M.SW, Bully Proofing Your School, Page 104

11. Impact on Victims • Fear of being bullied may lead to absenteeism, truancy or dropping out • Grades suffer • Decreased self-esteem • As adults, victims are hesitant to take risks • Violence against self or others

12. Impact on Bullies • At-risk for long-term negative outcomes • Attend school less frequently and are more likely to drop out • Potentially signs of the development of violent tendencies, delinquency and criminal behavior • Increased risk of substance abuse • Lack of respect for law and authority

13. Strategies for Staff Be aware of the extent of bullying and become involved in changing the situation Send a clear message bullying will not be tolerated and reinforce the idea using teachable moments. Establish and maintain an atmosphere in which all students feel respected and valued. Intervene with bullies and victims, if you see an issue: stop it. Listen sympathetically to students who need support when they are victims of bullying. Discuss and teach students social skills necessary to avoid becoming victims of bullies.

14. Report Bullying • Anyone who sees bullying or what they perceive as bullying shall report it to a teacher, counselor, administrator, other district employee or to the superintendent. • Bullying complaints about an administrator should be made to the superintendent. • Acts of retaliation against individuals who report bullying is prohibited.

15. Investigations • Investigations shall begin as soon as possible after the report by the appropriate administrator. • Violations of bullying policy are subject to a wide range of penalties, up to – and including – student expulsion or staff member termination. • The person who reports bullying will be notified of the results of the investigation within the limits of state and federal privacy laws. • As with any student or staff conduct issue, reports of bullying and investigations are treated confidentially.