“Bullying Prevention Overview”

Presenter

Jim Rhoads, MA

JamesRRhoads@gmail.com

The Foundation for Educational Administration & New Jersey Principals' Association Presents

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About your Presenter

Consultant and Owner of Success Strategies for Students

Instructor Stockton College

Elementary & Middle School Teacher & Principal for 30 Years

Director of Testing & Curriculum

Board of Trustees for the GCCS

Jim Rhoads

Certified Olweus Bullying Trainer

•Provide an Overview of What Bullying is and What it is not.

•Identify key components of a successful Bullying Prevention Program

•Outline steps to the successful implementation of an Anti-Bullying Prevention Program in Accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights

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http://www. thetrevorproject.org/

“It Gets Better”

If a friend or loved one is talking about or planning to take his or her life, reach out for help now. Call the

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

(800) 273-TALK

Facts and Mythsabout

Bullying

Studies suggest that fewer than 10% of children are

involved in bullying problems in elementary or

middle school.

False

Nansel, T. R., M. Overpeck, R. S. Pilla, W. J. Ruan, B. Simmons-Morton, and P. Scheidt, “Bullying Behaviors among U.S. Youth,” Journal of the American Medical Association 16 (2001): 2094–2100.

The vast majority of children who are bullied tell a teacher

or other member of the school staff.

False

Many children do not report bullying to school staff.

Older students and boys are less likely than younger

students and girls to report their victimization.

Bullying is just as likely on the way to and from school as

during school hours.

False

48% Hallways / stairwells32% In class (with teacher absent)29%In gym class/locker rooms27% In class (with teacher present)24%In lunchroom 17% In the bathroom16% On way to and from school15% On the bus8% At the bus stop

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Most students who observe bullying don’t think they should get involved.

False

38% Nothing. I think the bullying is OK/I take part /I just watch.

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What do you usually do when you see a student being bullied?

27% I don’t do anything, but I think I should help.

35% I try to help him or her.

Adults usually have a very accurate sense of the

bullying that goes on in their school.

False

70% of teachers believed that adults intervene almost all the time; only 25% of students agreed1

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90% of teachers on playgrounds say they intervene ALL the time; videotapes showed intervention 5% of the time2

Take a moment to write a definition of what you think bullying is.

What Is Bullying?

“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.”

What Is Bullying?

Dr. Dan Olweus

1. Involves an aggressive behavior2. Typically involves a pattern of

behavior repeated over time3. Involves an imbalance of power

or strength

A bit about Cyber Bullying

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A bit about

Sexting

Must complete anti bullying training—Educators, Administrators, & Board 0f Education Members

Must establish a bullying prevention approach/program

Must form a school-wide safety committeeEach school must appoint an anti bullying

specialistMust provide a detailed procedure included in

district policy concerning incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying

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Must post its Anti- bullying policy on school website

Must appoint district anti -bullying coordinator

District to post grade on school websiteVerbal report within 24 hoursWritten report within 2 days10 days to complete investigation2 days to report to the superintendent

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Simple, short-term solutionsGroup treatment for children who

bully“Program du jour” approachesAnger management or self-esteem

enhancement for children who bully

Zero-tolerance policies for bullyingMediation/conflict resolution to

resolve bullying issues

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#1

Focus on the social environment of the

school

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#2

Assess bullying at your school

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#3

Garner staff and parent support for bullying prevention

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#4

Form your safety committee

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#5

Train your staff in bullying prevention

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#6Establish and

enforce school rules and policies related

to bullying

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#7Increase adult

supervision in hot spots where bullying

occurs

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#8Intervene

consistently and appropriately in

bullying situations

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#9

Focus some class time on bullying

prevention

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#10

Continue these efforts over time

It is possible to reduce bullying.It requires a team effort.It requires a long-term

commitment.