“Bullying Prevention Overview”

1. The Foundation for Educational Administration & New Jersey Principals' Association Presents “Bullying Prevention Overview” Presenter Jim Rhoads, MA JamesRRhoads@gmail.com

2. 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

3. This Presentation Will . . . • Identify key components of a successful Bullying Prevention Program Provide an Overview of What Bullying is and What it is not. • Outline steps to the successful implementation of an Anti-Bullying Prevention Program in Accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights

4. “It Gets Better” http://www. thetrevorproject.org/

5. Write this number down! 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

6. Facts and Myths about Bullying

7. 1. True or False? Studies suggest that fewer than 10% of children are involved in bullying problems in elementary or middle school. False

8. Prevalence of Bullyingin the United States 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.

9. 2. True or False? The vast majority of children who are bullied tell a teacher or other member of the school staff. False

10. Reporting of Victimization 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.

11. 3. True or False? Bullying is just as likely on the way to and from school as during school hours. False

12. Common Bullying Locations • 48% Hallways / stairwells • 32% In class (with teacher absent) • 29% In gym class/locker rooms • 27% In class (with teacher present) • 24% In lunchroom • 17% In the bathroom • 16% On way to and from school • 15% On the bus • 8% At the bus stop

13. 4. True or False? Most students who observe bullying don’t think they should get involved. False

14. Students Were Asked… • 38% Nothing. I think the bullying is OK/I take part /I just watch. 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.

15. 5. True or False? Adults usually have a very accurate sense of the bullying that goes on in their school. False

16. Adults’ Responsiveness to Bullying • 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

17. Take a moment to write a definition of what you think bullying is. What Is Bullying?

18. “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

19. Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior Involves an aggressive behavior Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time Involves an imbalance of power or strength

20. A bit about Cyber Bullying • A bit about Sexting

21. Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights • 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

22. Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights • 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

23. Mis-directions in Bullying Prevention and Intervention 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

24. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #1 Focus on the social environment of the school

25. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #2 Assess bullying at your school

26. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #3 Garner staff and parent support for bullying prevention

27. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #4 Form your safety committee

28. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #5 Train your staff in bullying prevention

29. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #6 Establish and enforce school rules and policies related to bullying

30. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #7 Increase adult supervision in hot spots where bullying occurs

31. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #8 Intervene consistently and appropriately in bullying situations

32. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #9 Focus some class time on bullying prevention

33. Ten Best Practices In Bullying Prevention #10 Continue these efforts over time

34. Take-Home Message It is possible to reduce bullying. It requires a team effort. It requires a long-term commitment.