The Foundation for Educational Administration & New Jersey Principals' Association Presents “Bullying Prevention Overview” Presenter Jim Rhoads, MA JamesRRhoads@gmail.com About your Presenter Jim Rhoads Elementary & Middle School Teacher & Principal for 30 Years Director of Testing & Curriculum Certified Olweus Bullying Trainer Instructor Stockton College Consultant and Owner of Success Strategies for Students Board of Trustees for the GCCS 2 •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 “It Gets Better” http://www. thetrevorproject.org/ 4 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 Myths about 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% 32% 29% 27% 24% 17% 16% 15% 8% Hallways / stairwells In class (with teacher absent) In gym class/locker rooms In class (with teacher present) In lunchroom In the bathroom On way to and from school On the bus At the bus stop 12 Most students who observe bullying don’t think they should get involved. False What do you usually do when you see a student being bullied? 38% Nothing. I think the bullying is OK/I take part /I just watch. 27% I don’t do anything, but I think I should help. 35% I try to help him or her. 14 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 90% of teachers on playgrounds say they intervene ALL the time; videotapes showed intervention 5% of the time2 16 What Is Bullying? 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.” Dr. Dan Olweus Involves an aggressive behavior 2. Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time 3. Involves an imbalance of power or strength 1. A bit about Cyber Bullying A bit about Sexting 20 Must complete anti bullying training—Educators, Administrators, & Board 0f Education Members Must establish a bullying prevention approach/program Must form a school-wide safety committee Each school must appoint an anti bullying specialist Must provide a detailed procedure included in district policy concerning incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying 21 Must post its Anti- bullying policy on school website Must appoint district anti -bullying coordinator District to post grade on school website Verbal report within 24 hours Written report within 2 days 10 days to complete investigation 2 days to report to the superintendent 22 Simple, short-term solutions Group treatment for children who bully “Program du jour” approaches Anger management or self-esteem enhancement for children who bully Zero-tolerance policies for bullying Mediation/conflict resolution to resolve bullying issues #1 Focus on the social environment of the school 24 #2 Assess bullying at your school 25 #3 Garner staff and parent support for bullying prevention 26 #4 Form your safety committee 27 #5 Train your staff in bullying prevention 28 #6 Establish and enforce school rules and policies related to bullying 29 #7 Increase adult supervision in hot spots where bullying occurs 30 #8 Intervene consistently and appropriately in bullying situations 31 #9 Focus some class time on bullying prevention 32 #10 Continue these efforts over time 33 It is possible to reduce bullying. It requires a team effort. It requires a long-term commitment.