What is Bullying?Unwelcome verbal, written, electronic, or physical

contact directed at a student by another student(s), or by an adult that has an intent to:

• Create fear, psychological harm, or physical harm• Damage / extort personal or academic property• Damage or create fear for the loss of personal property• Systematically and/or intentionally exclude• Spread false information• Create an intimidating / hostile environment• Interfere with the educational process / opportunities

Main Types of BullyingThe DEP denotes 4 types of bullying:1. Physical2. Verbal3. Covert (dirty looks,

rumors, exclusion,…)4. Cyber

Cyber Bullying• Using technology to

harass, tease, intimidate, threaten, or terrorize

• Posting and/or sending inappropriate messages, images, videos, etc…

Cyber Bullying: A Serious Issue• 43% of kids have been bullied online

• 70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online.• 81% of students think bullying online is easier to get away

with • 90% of teens who have seen social-media bullying say they

have ignored it. • Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of

their abuse.• About 75% of students have visited a website bashing another

student.• Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider

committing suicide.• Stats from Dosomething.org @ http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying

Impact of BullyingWe all must work together to prevent:• Negative School Climate• Low Morale; Self-Esteem• Isolation (limited social;

educational opportunities)• Fear; Intimidation• Escalation to Violence!

Bullying Destroys• Over 3.2 million students are victims of

bullying each year.• 1 in 4 teachers see nothing wrong with

bullying and will only intervene 4% of the time.• Approximately 160,000 teens skip school

every day because of bullying.• 1 in 7 students in grades K-12 is either a bully

or a victim of bullying.

Bullying Destroys• Over 75% of students believe schools respond

poorly to bullying; believe adult help is infrequent and ineffective.• 90 % of 4th through 8th graders report being

victims of bullying.• 1 in10 students drop out because of bullying.• Physical bullying increases in elementary

school, peaks in middle school and declines in high school. Verbal abuse, on the other hand, remains constant.

• Stats from Dosomething.org @ http://www.dosomething.org

Authority & Consequences

Zero Tolerance Policy!!!• Bullying will receive prompt and severe

consequences when it occurs on school property, during school, at school sponsored events, or on school transportation• Prompt investigation as well as possible

consequences and collaboration with law enforcement will occur for all other bullying related incidents.

Be an AdvocateRemaining a bystander is NOT

acceptable!• Report incidents immediately to a staff member

or parent(s)/guardian(s)• Visit Guidance - open door policy • OPTION: Submit an anonymous report to your

principal (confidentiality will be maintained!)• REMEMBER: All the adults in this building care

about you and are here to help

Delegation of Responsibilities

• Education Programs & Staff Training–Knowledge is power!

• Immediate Intervention –Staff must intervene when safe to do so

• Climate of Respect– Each member of this school community

(student & staff) must respect and defend the rights of others at ALL times!

Reporting Guidelines• All students, teachers, staff, parents/guardians

are expected to immediately report bullying.• However, the avenues for reporting may vary

as follows:• Teacher: intervene when safe; report to principal• Additional Staff: report to principal• Parents / Guardians: report to principal• Students: submit anonymous report, visit

guidance, tell teacher/staff, report to principal

Confidentiality• All bullying reports will be taken seriously and

promptly investigated.• When appropriate the parent/guardian of both the

victim and the bully will be contacted–NOTE: All FERPA rules and regulations will be

followed in notification of both parties to maintain confidentiality and protect all students

• Law Enforcement agencies will be contacted and involved when appropriate

Investigation MethodsAll bullying reports will be taken seriously and

promptly investigated!!!• Principal is the designee (keep them informed)• Law Enforcement agencies will be contacted and

involved when appropriate• Possible methods include but are not limited to:–Conferences, meetings, video surveillance,

review of student(s) records• Parent/Guardian contacted in accordance with

District Policy as well as FERPA

Pledge??? & Events???CDMS plans to implement anti-bullying events throughout the school year to help establish and maintain a school climate of respect. If you have

any suggestions for events that may help promote a safe school united against bullying, please share

them with the administration.

Surviving Bullying

Bullied Teen Turned Survivor (CBS News Special Report)

Bullying is an issue in today’s American schools. It is important to recognize it exists and understand

avenues for ‘surviving’ or reducing bullying. Taking a proactive approach can help support and

educate our students. Please view the video below for an inspirational story about how one

community changed the negative cycle of bullying to save a young man’s life.

Tips & Tactics• Always take incidents or reports of bullying seriously• Help bullied students find and pursue interests or

hobbies to recognize their unique talents• Consider involving a bullied student in activities outside

of school (Church Youth Group; Volunteer Programs; Local Clubs; Craft or Art Classes; Music Programs)

• Discuss bullying with students• Remind students to help / advocate for others• Emphasize the importance and power of positivity

(Compliments and smiles go a long way!!!)

Resources• National Centre Against Bullying @ http://www.ncab.org.au/

• PACER @ http://www.pacer.org• Stopbullying.gov @ http://www.stopbullying.gov/• Stop Bullying Now: Parent resources, tips and strategies @ http://www.stopbullyingnow.com/index.htm• Tips for Recognizing and Dealing with Bullying @ http://www.violencepreventionworks.org/public/bullying_tips_for_parents.page

• Anti-Bullying Tips for Students @ http://www.kidpower.org/library/article/prevent-bullying/?gclid=CNyj6YTm7bgCFYOe4Aod82AA7g

• Stop a Bully: Anti-Bullying lessons, handouts and media resources @ http://www.stopabully.ca/bullying-resources/teacher-resources