Parent Bullying Prevention Education

Presentation 2012-2013

Bullying consists of negative acts carried

out repeatedly over time.

• Perceived or real imbalance of strength

or power in a willful manner

• Intention of hurting another individual

repeatedly (usually some one less

powerful)

Physical: hitting, kicking, pushing,

choking, and punching

Verbal: threatening, taunting, teasing,

starting rumors, hate speech

Psychological: social exclusion,

intimidation, spreading rumors

Cyber: writing mean things on someone’s

Facebook, e-mailing embarrassing

photos of people

Both girls and boys can be bullies, but boys are more likely to admit to being one and are also easier to spot and identify because of the tactics they generally use.

Boys tend to use aggressive tactics. (Physical aggression is frequently used and tends to be swift and effective.) tripping someone, a quick slap/punch, or a knee in the stomach. Verbal aggression often follows the physical aggression or is used to threaten later physical consequences.

Girls tend to bully with social alienation (Psychological) and intimidation strategies. (Verbally teasing about her clothes, gossiped about in a malicious manner, or receiving intimidating notes.)

*****Female bullying is typically more insidious, cunning, and difficult to spot than is male bullying. ******

They are likely to be anxious, insecure children who

lack social skills and the ability to defend themselves.

They are often physically weak, cry easily, and are easy

targets because they yield to bullying.

They are passive victims or easy targets because they

fail to fight back. (They are easy to spot).

Then we have proactive victims who are often

restless, irritable, and who tease and provoke others.

They will most likely fight back to a point but end up

losing. (They are more difficult to recognize because

he/she may be seen engaging in the bully.)

They are the third group of participants in bullying situations.

They are the majority of students at a school (about 85%) who watch bullying incidents and stand silently on the sideline not knowing what to do.

They don’t get involved in bullying events because:

• They are afraid the bully will turn on them or retaliate later.

• They don’t know what to do.

• They are afraid they’ll make things worse for the victim.

• They’ll become less popular and be made fun of with the victim.

• They don’t believe adults will really help.

-Reporting it to an Adult. (Asking School Staff for help). -Being assertive. (Standing up for yourself. Telling the bully that

you don’t like this kind of treatment, and to stop doing it.) -If alone, try and avoid the bully all together. (Strength is in

numbers). -If being bullied, try thinking about something positive (self-talk)

about one’s self. -Talk to your School Social Worker -Write teacher a note anonymously -Tell Parents

Normal Conflict

Versus

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

Someone else is picking on them

They are looking for attention

They feel bad about themselves and want

other people to feel bad too

They have no friends and feel lonely

They want the people around them to

think they are strong and tough

Talk with your child If your child is being bullied, they need to have a voice in

how the situation is handled.

Contact the school Set up a meeting with your child's teacher(s), social

worker, and/or Principal.

Develop a plan for keeping your child safe, during

vulnerable times( class breaks, lunch, recess)

Find out what activities or counseling options are

available for your child.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS EMOTIONAL EFFECTS

Stomach aches

Weight loss/gain

Poor school grades

Headaches

Inability to socialize

Drug and alcohol use

Physical aggression

Alienation

Low self-esteem

Insecurity

Fearfulness

Withdrawn

Aggression

Anger

Vengefulness

Talk to your child- Never condone bullying behavior; speak up and tell your child that the behavior they are engaging in is bullying.

Encourage empathy for others- remind your child that everyone has the right to be themselves, to choose their own friends, and to feel safe at school.

Review consequences of bullying behavior-both discipline consequences and relationship consequences.

Reinforce respectful behaviors at home. Help your child deal with feelings in positive ways. Contact the school for help.

Frequent name calling

Regular bragging

A need to always get his/her own way

A lack of empathy for others

A defiant hostile attitude

Frequent misbehavior at school (name-

calling, teasing, intimidating others,

physical aggression)

-Being sent to the office (Referral) -Parent notified -In-school suspension

-Suspension -Police involvement if a law is broken

Identify if the behavior is

bullying and not another

infraction

Stop the behavior Meet with student or

students separately

Review and apply

consequences according

to school –wide

handbook

Make parent contact Arrange for

apologies both

verbal and written

If this is a second offense

and/or a serious behavior,

document incident on bullying

incident report form.

Initiate an administrative referral if

this is a 2nd offense and/or the

behavior is serious. Administrator

will assign consequence and

follow up with social worker if

necessary.

Boys Town

Social Skills groups

Kids At Hope

Ripples Effect

Individual meetings with students

Individual and group counseling

Heart Math program

Life Skills program

Together students, staff, and parents will work

together to promote a safe, respectful and nurturing learning environment for

our school.