Bullying Prevention

1. Bullying Prevention Parent Literacy Night T.F. South High School Facilitators : Jennifer Anderson and Marcia James

2. Who’s going to stop it? • Bullying has become a widespread problem in both our schools and communities. • It is the most common form of violence in our society and schools. • Membership is either bully or victim. • It is unacceptable anti-social behavior but the good news is that it can be unlearned.

3. Bullying Behavior • Among researchers, bullying is aggressive behavior that (a) is intended to cause stress and harm, (b) exists where there is an imbalance of power, and (c) is repeated over time (a pattern).

4. Bullying behavior (continued) • Overt and covert • Direct and indirect • Open attacks and subversive • Physical and non-physical • Social isolation/exclusion from a group • Name calling, threats, gossip, rumors, lies, making fun of, manipulating friendships, mean notes • Intentional where a person cannot defend self • Peer abuse

5. Definition (Bully) • A person who directs physical, verbal or psychological aggression or harassment toward others, with the goal of dominating another individual. It is done with the intention of undermining an individuals emotional confidence, self-esteem or social status.

6. Definition (Victim) • Someone who repeatedly is exposed to aggression from peers in the form of physical attacks, verbal assaults or psychological abuse.

7. Cyber-bullying • Cyberbullies use e-mail, IMs,blogs, chat rooms, and social networking sites as well as cell phone texting and photos to harass their victims. This is done by: sending insulting messages and threats, spreading rumors, posing as someone else and sending messages supposedly from that person, and posting embarrassing photos. The growth of social networking among teenagers is staggering. • According to a study,15 million U.S. teens are social network users. • Among teens, 65% are members of an online social network. • 72% of 12-17 year olds are text users, with an average of 1,500 texts per month. • Social networking also takes place on gaming sites, available through consoles, such as Nintendo, Wii, Playstation, and Xbox where they can create profiles and chat with other players.

8. The National Crime Prevention council indicated that 43% of teens reported being victims of cyberbullying Warning Signs Unexplained anxiety Anger, sadness, fear Failing grades Lack of interest in friends, school, or other activities Trouble sleeping More or less interest in the computer or cell phone Cyberbullying Continued

9. Sexting • Sexting involves sending sexually explicit messages and/or nude or semi-nude photos electronically. This can be via cell phones or over the internet. • The trouble with sexting is photos can be distributed widely, therefore ruining reputations, causing anxiety, depression, and ultimate embarrassment. • In addition, it is a CRIME. Federal law makes it illegal to possess, distribute, or take sexually explicit images of anyone under the age of 18.

10. What can parents do about sexting • Talk to your children about the dangers of sexting. • Set rules and consequences for breaking these rules. • Make sure you know who your child is communicating with. • Inform your child that they risk jail time as well as being labeled a sex offender. • Inform them that anything that they send or post may never go away. • Be aware of sexting shortcuts and acronyms.

11. Popular SextingShortcuts and Acronyms • TDTM-Talk dirty to me • NIFOC-Nude in front of the computer • P911-Parent alert • RUH-Are you horny? • GNOC- Get naked on camera • MOSS-Member of the same sex • K4Y-Kiss for you • 8-Oral sex • 143-I Love You • 182-I hate you

12. Everyone must help exert leadership in recognizing bullying, refusing to participate, and in coming to the aid of victims skillfully and nonviolently. Dan Olweus Goal of Bullying Awareness & Prevention

13. How can I tell if my child is being bullied? There's a good chance your child will not come to you and report that they are being bullied. Signs and Symptoms Do not want to attend school-upset stomach/headache Isolation from others, even in the home Anxiety (panic attacks) Self-mutilation (cutting)

14. Not my child • What to do if your child is the bully? 1. Talk it out 2. Decrease violence at home, turn off violent television programs and video games 3. Teach positive behaviors 4. Seek professional help if needed According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, bullying can be a sign of other serious antisocial or violent behavior that can lead to future problems in school and with the law.

15. Be involved in your child’s life, including computer time. Teach your child how to be more assertive without being passive or violent. Be alert –when the circumstances are violent or dangerous, involve law enforcement. Be informed-learn about your schools policy toward bullying. Speak out and connect with other parents or community members who care about creating a safe, positive environment. Bullying Tips for Parents

16. Policy and Procedure for District #215 • School-wide policy- The district will not tolerate harassing, intimidating conduct, or bullying, whether verbal, physical or visual that affects the tangible benefits of education, unreasonably interferes with a students educational performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. • Depending on the level of the infraction, a student may be referred for one or more of the following: (1) counselor referral, (2) social worker referral, (3) parent conference and/or suspension of up to 10 days, and/or (4) recommendation for expulsion. Public Act 92-0260, 105 ILCS 5/10-20.14

17. Resources for Parents • www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov • www.nobully.org • www.safeyouth.org • www.isafe.org • www.antibullying.net

18. Thank You! Thornton Fractional South High School