SPMS Anti-Bullying Program

1. SPMS Anti-Bullying Program South Paulding Middle School Oct. 21, 2010

2. Committee Members • Michelle Smith – Chair • Ben Williams – Co-Chair • Emily Williams • Inester Jones • Mary Ball • Pam Norton • Coleman Evans • Jim Gottwald • Sherri Hickman • Jack Daniels • Monifa Holman • Angela Turner • Patti Agaston: Trainer

3. What Does Research Say • 30% of youth in United States (over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, target of bullying or both. • Recent survey of grades 6 – 10 revealed 13% reported bullying others, 11% reported being the target of bullies, and another 6% said that they bullied others and were bullied themselves. (Nansel 2001)

4. Research Says • 2009 report from Indicators of School Crime and Safety Report states 25% of public schools across the nation reported that bullying occurred among students on a daily or weekly basis in the school year 2007 – 2008.

5. Georgia Student Health Survey • Administered to grades 6,8,10 and 12 • 2009 – 2010 Survey Results - 16% of students reported being bullied in the last 30 days - 33% of students reported being picked on or teased at school in the last 30 days - 25% of students reported that they do not feel safe at school

6. Effects of School Bullying • Lower self esteem • Depression and Anxiety • Increased Absenteeism • Lowered School Achievement • Illness • Thought of Suicide • Suicide

7. Who Gets Bullied • Children with disabilities, special needs, and health problems • Children who are obese • Children who appear different or weak • Children who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or who have questioning their identity

8. Concerns About Children Who Bully • Children who bully are more likely to: - Get into frequent fights - Be injured in a fight - Steal, vandalize property - Drink alcohol, smoke, use drugs - Be truant, drop out of school - Poor academic achievement - Carry a weapon

9. Olweus Study • Bullies are 4 times more likely to have 3 or more convictions by age 24

10. Effects of Bullying on Bystanders • Afraid • Powerless to change the situation • Guilt for not acting • Diminished empathy for victims over time

11. SPMS Survey Results2009 - 2010

19. The grades included are actually 6-8th

20. “Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.” (Olweus) What Is Bullying?

21. Georgia Defines Bullying As • An act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessible through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system, that is (including Harassment and Intimidation):

22. Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; • Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or • Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass or intimidate that:

23. a. causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of O.C.G. A. 16-5- 23.1 or visible bodily harm as defined by O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1; b. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a students education c. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates and intimidating or threatening education environment; or d. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

24. Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior Involves an aggressive behavior Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time Involves an imbalance of power or strength

25. Direct Bullying Hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting Taunting, name-calling, using degrading comments Threatening or obscene gestures

26. Indirect Bullying Getting another person to bully someone Spreading rumors Causing another person to be socially isolated Cyber bullying

27. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program The most-researched and best-known bullying prevention program available today. First systematic research on bullying conducted in the early 1970s by Dr. Dan Olweus.

28. Goals of OBPP To reduce existing bullying problems among students To prevent the development of new bullying problems To achieve better peer relations at school

29. Recognition of theOlweus Bullying Prevention Program Blueprints Model Program (Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence) Model Program (SAMHSA) Effective Program (OJJDP) Level 2 Program (U.S. Department of Education)

30. Program Principles Adults in school need to show warmth, positive interest, and involvement. Set firm limits for unacceptable behavior. Consistently use nonphysical, nonhostile negative consequences when rules are broken. Adults in the school should act as authorities and positive role models.

31. School Rules • We will not bully others • We will try to help students who are bullied • We will try to include students who are left out • If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will talk to an adult at school and an adult at home.

32. Program Components Classroom School Parents Community Individual

33. Take-Home Message It is possible to reduce bullying. It requires a team effort. It requires a long-term commitment.