Ashley Patnaude EDU 615 Dr.

Akerman August 7, 2011

School Safety Presentation Topic: Bullying

This presentation on bullying is intended for the use of classroom teachers and school staff. It discusses the act of bullying, as well as, our roles in the prevention of acts of bullying. A facilitator can use this guideline in a discussion or lecture format.

It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice. ~Author Unknown
What is bullying? Repeated, intentional acts of physical or mental cruelty or intimidation between two people who are unequal in real or perceived social power. Targets of school bullies are often different in some noticeable way. (MARC, 2009). Why is bullying an issue? Kids who bully are often labeled as popular. This quest for popularity and acceptance is contagious, which leads children to join in on the act of bullying. Bullying has very serious consequences, such as homicide (Columbine) and suicide, as was the case of bullied student, Phoebe Prince. (Fox News, 2010). Bullying youth are five times as likely to become adult criminals as non-bullies. (Davis, 2009) Targets of bullying are more likely to be depressed as adults. (Davis, 2009)

How to tell the difference between bullying and teasing Bullying- abuse that occurs when a socially powerful (popular or feared) student mentally or physically abuses a weaker (fearful) student.

Conflict- equal power disagreement Look for behavioral clues like fear. Trust your own instincts. If something seems unusual, investigate further. Determine if it is simply a conflict or bullying, where one student feels scared and powerless. (MARC, 2009).

Steps to Address Bullying 1. Separate rather than mediate Dismiss the victim until later. Keep the bully and address the behavior immediately. Do your best in determining the instigator. Avoid an argument with the child about what you saw or didnt see. Own the problem, I have a problem with your behavior. I am concerned with how I am seeing you treat others. Utilize previously established procedures and consequences Ensure the consequences are visible to students

2. Address the Behavior

3. Delegate consequences

Bullying Research Children who engage in bullying behaviors do so for different reasons. Cognitive dysfunctions, biases, poor self-esteem, poor social skills etc. Most bullying is verbal or psychological in nature (not physical). Consistent and firm limit-setting is the only thing that works with bullying. Bullies count on adults to ignore bullying behaviors, and this allows them to continue bullying activities. Males and females bully differently. Intervene immediately and separate bully and victim. (MARC, 2009)

Sample Situations 1. A teacher comes across two students who do not seem to be in agreement. She isnt positive, but feels like bullying might have occurred. What should you do? Read body language and reactions to judge if bullying happened or not. Bullies respond calmly and maintain eye contact. Victims, on the other hand, look away and hardly respond. The victim wants to avoid adults all together so that he doesnt get labeled as a tattle-tale. Separate the children to determine what happened. Speak to the student who might have bullied alone and remind him of school rules. 2. A teacher witnesses a bullying incident. Upon confrontation, both children brush it off as no big deal. What should you do? Remember that a victim is not likely to speak up in front of a bully. Separate the children and speak to the bully alone. Emphasize that this type of behavior will not be tolerated and apply established disciplinary action. 3. A student is a chronic target for bullying. How can you help? Spend time talking and building a relationship with the child. Discuss strategies and tactics to reduce opportunities for bullying, like changing a route to get home. Utilize resources to help the child, such as friendly peers who enjoy working with others. Keep an eye on the situation and be there for the child. 4. How would you address a student who continually bullies his or her peers? Emphasize school rules and that you are aware of their behaviors. Use a daily or weekly check-in system where you briefly discuss students day-to-day activities

and interests, etc. This is a casual way to remind the student that you are paying attention to him or her and all actions. Ways to Prevent Bullying Increase adult supervision in bullying hot spots Involve students, parents, teachers, and staff in bullying awareness and prevention. Encourage teachers to file incident reports so that there are records of bullying. Teach about bullying in regular curriculum. Establish a school culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect. (StopBullingNow.gov, 2011)

Resources Davis, S. Stop Bullying Now! (2002-2009.) Stop Bulling Now! Retrieved from http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/index.html on 8/4/11. Fox News. (3/29/10.) Nine Charged in Bullying of Massachusetts Teen Who Killed Herself. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/29/charged-bullyingmassachusetts-teen-killed/ on 8/7/11. MARC: Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center. (2009.) MARC: Educators and Professionals. Retrieved from http://webhost.bridgew.edu/marc/ on 8/1/2011. StopBullying.Gov. (2011.)Ways to Prevent Bullying. Retrieved from http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.html 8/3/11.