No Bullies Allowed

Tag: Stop Bullying

Respond to Bullying
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Respond to Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time. There are simple steps adults can take to stop bullying on the spot and keep kids safe.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Do:
- Intervene immediately. It is ok to get another adult to help.
- Separate the kids involved.
- Make sure everyone is safe.
- Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs.
- Stay calm. Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders.
- Model respectful behavior when you intervene.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t ignore it. Don’t think kids can work it out without adult help.
- Don’t immediately try to sort out the facts.
- Don’t force other kids to say publicly what they saw.
- Don’t question the children involved in front of other kids.
- Don’t talk to the kids involved together, only separately.
- Don’t make the kids involved apologize or patch up relations on the spot.
Get police help or medical attention immediately if:
- A weapon is involved.
- There are threats of serious physical injury.
- There are threats of hate-motivated violence, such as racism or homophobia.
- There is serious bodily harm.
- There is sexual abuse.
- Anyone is accused of an illegal act, such as robbery or extortion—using force to get money, property, or services.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
Working in the Community
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”366″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Working in the Community

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Bullying can be prevented, especially when the power of a community is brought together. Community-wide strategies can help identify and support children who are bullied, redirect the behavior of children who bully, and change the attitudes of adults and youth who tolerate bullying behaviors in peer groups, schools, and communities. [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

The Benefits of Working Together

Bullying doesn’t happen only at school. Community members can use their unique strengths and skills to prevent bullying wherever it occurs. For example, youth sports groups may train coaches to prevent bullying. Local businesses may make t-shirts with bullying prevention slogans for an event. After-care staff may read books about bullying to kids and discuss them. Hearing anti-bullying messages from the different adults in their lives can reinforce the message for kids that bullying is unacceptable.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Potential Partners

Involve anyone who wants to learn about bullying and reduce its impact in the community. Consider involving businesses, local associations, adults who work directly with kids, parents, and youth.
- Identify partners such as mental health specialists, law enforcement officers, neighborhood associations, service groups, faith-based organizations, and businesses.
- Learn what types of bullying community members see and discuss developing targeted solutions.
- Involve youth. Teens can take leadership roles in bullying prevention among younger kids.
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Community Strategies

Study community strengths and needs:
- Ask: Who is most affected? Where? What kinds of bullying happen most? How do kids and adults react? What is already being done in our local area to help?
- Think about using opinion surveys, interviews, and focus groups to answer these questions. Learn how schools assess bullying.
- Consider open forums like group discussions with community leaders, businesses, parent groups, and churches.
Develop a comprehensive community strategy:
- Review what you learned from your community study to develop a common understanding of the problem.
- Establish a shared vision about bullying in the community, its impact, and how to stop it.
- Identify audiences to target and tailor messages as appropriate.
- Describe what each partner will do to help prevent and respond to bullying.
- Advocate for bullying prevention policies in schools and throughout the community.
- Raise awareness about your message. Develop and distribute print materials. Encourage local radio, TV, newspapers, and websites to give public service announcements prime space. Introduce bullying prevention to groups that work with kids.
- Track your progress over time. Evaluate to ensure you are refining your approach based on solid data, not anecdotes.
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Additional Resources
- The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP’s) Model Programs Guide (MPG) contains information about evidence-based juvenile justice and youth prevention, intervention, and reentry programs.
- The Youth.gov Program Directory features evidence-based programs whose purpose is to prevent and/or reduce delinquency or other problem behaviors in young people.
- Three Bold Steps for School Community Change: A Toolkit for Community Leaders (Safe Schools/Healthy Students). This kit shows how partnerships with people from different parts of a community can create positive, lasting change for students.
- Striving to Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere (STRYVE) is a national youth violence prevention effort. STRYVE Online helps communities with access to information and tools, effective strategies, training and technical assistance, and online community workspaces
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
Build a Safe Environment
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”368″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Build a Safe Environment

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]A safe and supportive school climate can help prevent bullying. Safety starts in the classroom. Students should also feel and be safe everywhere on campus—in the cafeteria, in the library, in the rest rooms, on the bus, and on the playground. Everyone at school can work together to create a climate where bullying is not acceptable.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

In general, schools can:
- Establish a culture of inclusion and respect that welcomes all students. Reward students when they show thoughtfulness and respect for peers, adults, and the school. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Technical Assistance Center can help.
- Make sure students interact safely. Monitor bullying “hot spots” in and around the building. Students may be at higher risk of bullying in settings where there is little or no adult monitoring or supervision, such as bathrooms, playgrounds, and the cafeteria.
- Enlist the help of all school staff. All staff can keep an eye out for bullying. They also help set the tone at school. Teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, office staff, librarians, school nurses, and others see and influence students every day. Messages reach kids best when they come from many different adults who talk about and show respect and inclusion. Train school staff to prevent bullying.
- Set a tone of respect in the classroom. This means managing student behavior in the classroom well. Well-managed classrooms are the least likely to have bullying.
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Manage Classrooms to Prevent Bullying

Teachers can consider these ways to promote the respect, positive relations, and order that helps prevent bullying in the classroom:
- Create ground rules.
  - Develop rules with students so they set their own climate of respect and responsibility.
  - Use positive terms, like what to do, rather than what not to do.
  - Support school-wide rules.
- Reinforce the rules.
  - Be a role model and follow the rules yourself. Show students respect and encourage them to be successful.
  - Make expectations clear. Keep your requests simple, direct, and specific.
  - Reward good behavior. Try to affirm good behavior four to five times for every one criticism of bad behavior.
  - Use one-on-one feedback, and do not publicly reprimand.
  - Help students correct their behaviors. Help them understand violating the rules results in consequences: “I know you can stop [negative action] and go back to [positive action]. If you choose to continue, then [consequence].”
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Classroom Meetings

Classroom meetings provide a forum for students to talk about school-related issues beyond academics. These meetings can help teachers stay informed about what is going on at school and help students feel safe and supported.

These meetings work best in classrooms where a culture of respect is already established. Classroom meetings are typically short and held on a regular schedule. They can be held in a student’s main classroom, home room, or advisory period.
- Establish ground rules. Kids should feel free to discuss issues without fear. Classroom meetings are not a time to discuss individual conflicts or gossip about others. Reinforce existing classroom rules.
- Start the conversation. Focus on specific topics, such as bullying or respectful behaviors. Meetings can identify and address problems affecting the group as a whole. Stories should be broad and lead to solutions that build trust and respect between students. Use open-ended questions or prompts such as:
  - Share an example of a student who helped someone at school this week.
  - Without names, share an example of someone who made another student feel bad.
  - What did students nearby do? What did you do? Did you want to do something different—why or why not?
  - If you could describe the perfect response to the situation what would it be? How hard or easy would it be to do? Why?
  - How can adults help?
- End the meeting with a reminder that it is everyone’s job to make school a positive place to learn. Encourage kids to talk to teachers or other trusted adults if they see bullying or are worried about how someone is being treated.
- Follow-up when necessary. Monitor student body language and reactions. If a topic seems to be affecting a student, follow-up with him or her. Know what resources are available to support students affected by bullying.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
Set Policies & Rules
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”370″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Set Policies & Rules

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]School staff can help prevent bullying by establishing and enforcing school rules and policies that clearly describe how students are expected to treat each other. Consequences for violations of the rules should be clearly defined as well. [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Types of Rules and Policies

There are several types of policies and rules that work to prevent bullying. Each serves a different purpose. For example:
- A school mission statement establishes the vision for the school. Everyone should know how they personally help the school achieve this shared goal.
  - Sample Mission Statement
    [Name of School] is committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. Our school works to ensure that all students have the opportunity and support to develop to their fullest potential and share a personal and meaningful bond with people in the school community.
- A code of conduct describes the positive behaviors expected of the school community. The code of conduct applies to all, sets standards for behavior, and covers a focused set of expected positive behaviors. State laws sometimes specify what must be included in a school’s code of conduct.
- A student bill of rights includes positive things students can expect at school. Keep it short and easy to remember, so it is useful in day-to-day school life.
  - Sample Student Bill of Rights
    Each student at [school] has a right to:
- Learn in a safe and friendly place
- Be treated with respect
- Receive the help and support of caring adults
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Integrating Rules and Policies into a School’s Culture

As you develop or update school rules and policies, have a plan for keeping them relevant and meaningful for students and school staff.
- Make sure school rules and policies are consistent with state laws and the school district rules and policies.
- Include school staff, parents, and students when developing rules and policies. Giving students a role can help them set their own climate of respect and responsibility. Parental involvement can reinforce these messages at home.
- Train school staff on enforcing school rules and policies. Give them the tools to respond to bullying consistently and appropriately.
- Incorporate rules and policies in day-to-day school interactions. Teachers and students can discuss the rules in class. Students can hold each other accountable. The principal can give an annual “state of the school” speech that reports on the mission.
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Establish a Reporting System

chools can establish clear procedures for reporting rule violations so that reasonable consequences can be given to students when rules are broken. Reporting systems help track individual incidents and responses as well as trends over time.

Some tips for establishing a reporting system:
- Make it easy. People are more likely to report when it’s easy to do.
- Maintain reports in a way that shows emerging problems and patterns over time.
- Keep reports confidential and private. School staff and students should be encouraged to report violations without fear of retaliation.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
Assess Bullying
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”374″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Assess Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Assessments—such as surveys—can help schools determine the frequency and locations of bullying behavior. They can also gauge the effectiveness of current prevention and intervention efforts. Knowing what’s going on can help school staff select appropriate prevention and response strategies.

Assessments involve asking school or community members—including students—about their experiences and thoughts related to bullying. An assessment is planned, purposeful, and uses research tools.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

What an Assessment Can Do

Assess to:
- Know what’s going on. Adults underestimate the rates of bullying because kids rarely report it and it often happens when adults aren’t around. Assessing bullying through anonymous surveys can provide a clear picture of what is going on.
- Target efforts. Understanding trends and types of bullying in your school can help you plan bullying prevention and intervention efforts.
- Measure results. The only way to know if your prevention and intervention efforts are working is to measure them over time.
An assessment can explore specific bullying topics, such as:
- Frequency and types
- Adult and peer response
- Locations, including “hot spots”
- Staff perceptions and attitudes about bullying
- Aspects of the school or community that may support or help stop it
- Student perception of safety
- School climate
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Develop and Implement an Assessment

Schools may choose to use school-wide surveys to assess bullying. There are several steps involved:
- Choose a survey. There are many free, reliable, and validated assessment tools available. Choose a set of measures that covers the questions you want answered, is age appropriate, and can be answered in a reasonable amount of time.
- Obtain parental consent as your district requires. Some allow passive consent, others require active consent. According to federal guidelines, at a minimum, each year the Local Education Agency (LEA), must notify parents about the survey and when it will be conducted. Parents have the right to opt their child out of the survey. Parents also have the right to inspect and review the surveys before they are given.
- Administer the survey. School staff are best equipped to judge how to carry out a survey at school, but these tips can help:
  - Administer surveys early in the school year. Schedules surveys after students are settled in a routine but there is still time to use the findings in the school year’s prevention efforts.
  - Assess at least once every school year. Some schools like to survey students at the start and end of the school year to track progress and plan activities for the following year.
  - Decide which students will be surveyed to ensure statistically significant results. Schools may choose school-wide surveys or surveys of specific grades.
  - Plan to administer the survey when all students can take it at once. This will reduce the chance that they will discuss it and affect each other’s answers.
- Protect student privacy. Many surveys are subject to the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Assure students that their responses will be kept confidential and that their answers can’t be tracked back to them.
- Analyze and distribute findings.
  - Make sure you continue to protect students’ privacy by ensuring that no personally identifiable information is accessible.
  - Consider how the survey results will be shared with teachers, parents, and students.
- Make sure that you are prepared to respond to the results of the survey. Have a clear plan for prevention and intervention in place or in development.
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Staff Training on Bullying Prevention

To ensure that bullying prevention efforts are successful, all school staff need to be trained on what bullying is, what the school’s policies and rules are, and how to enforce the rules. Training may take many forms: staff meetings, one-day training sessions, and teaching through modeling preferred behavior. Schools may choose any combination of these training options based on available funding, staff resources, and time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
Prevention at School
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”376″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Prevention at School

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Bullying can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety at school and can negatively impact their ability to learn. The best way to address bullying is to stop it before it starts. There are a number of things school staff can do to make schools safer and prevent bullying.

Training school staff and students to prevent and address bullying can help sustain bullying prevention efforts over time. There are no federal mandates for bullying curricula or staff training. The following are some examples of options schools can consider.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Activities to Teach Students About Bullying

Schools don’t always need formal programs to help students learn about bullying prevention. Schools can incorporate the topic of bullying prevention in lessons and activities. Examples of activities to teach about bullying include:
- Internet or library research, such as looking up types of bullying, how to prevent it, and how kids should respond
- Presentations, such as a speech or role-play on stopping bullying
- Discussions about topics like reporting bullying
- Creative writing, such as a poem speaking out against bullying or a story or skit teaching bystanders how to help
- Artistic works, such as a collage about respect or the effects of bullying
- Classroom meetings to talk about peer relations
[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Evidence-Based Programs and Curricula

Schools may choose to implement formal evidence-based programs or curricula. Many evaluated programs that address bullying are designed for use in elementary and middle schools. Fewer programs exist for high schools and non-school settings. There are many considerations in selecting a program, including the school’s demographics, capacity, and resources. Also, be sure to avoid Misdirections in Bullying Prevention and Response – PDF.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Staff Training on Bullying Prevention

To ensure that bullying prevention efforts are successful, all school staff need to be trained on what bullying is, what the school’s policies and rules are, and how to enforce the rules. Training may take many forms: staff meetings, one-day training sessions, and teaching through modeling preferred behavior. Schools may choose any combination of these training options based on available funding, staff resources, and time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 19, 2019
Bullying and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”335″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Bullying and Youth with Disabilities & Special Health Needs

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Children with disabilities— such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities— are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors — physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments — may increase the risk. Research suggests that some children with disabilities may bully others as well.

Kids with special health needs, such as epilepsy or food allergies, also may be at higher risk of being bullied. Bullying can include making fun of kids because of their allergies or exposing them to the things they are allergic to. In these cases, bullying is not just serious, it can mean life or death.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Creating a Safe Environment for Youth with Disabilities

Special considerations are needed when addressing bullying in youth with disabilities. There are resources to help kids with disabilities who are bullied or who bully others. Youth with disabilities often have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans that can be useful in crafting specialized approaches for preventing and responding to bullying. These plans can provide additional services that may be necessary. Additionally, civil rights laws protect students with disabilities against harassment.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Creating a Safe Environment for Youth with Special Health Needs

Youth with special health needs — such as diabetes requiring insulin regulation, food allergies, or youth with epilepsy — may require accommodations at school. In these cases they do not require an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan. However, schools can protect students with special health needs from bullying and related dangers. If a child with special health needs has a medical reaction, teachers should address the medical situation first before responding to the bullying. Educating kids and teachers about students’ special health needs and the dangers associated with certain actions and exposures can help keep kids safe.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Federal Civil Rights Laws and Youth with Disabilities

When bullying is directed at a child because of his or her established disability and it creates a hostile environment at school, bullying behavior may cross the line and become “disability harassment.” Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the school must address the harassment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwZGF0YS1vaW8tem9uZSUzRCUyMnR5cGUlM0RiYW5uZXIlMjZ6b25lJTNEMSUyNmFsaWduJTNEY2VudGVyJTI2cmVmcmVzaCUzRDAlMjIlM0UlMEElMjhmdW5jdGlvbiUyOHclMkNkJTJDZSUyQ28lMkN1JTJDcyUyQ3QlMjklN0J3JTVCbyU1RCU3QyU3QyUyOHclNUJvJTVEJTNEJTdCJTdEJTJDcyUzRGQuY3JlYXRlRWxlbWVudCUyOGUlMjklMkNzLnNyYyUzRHUlMkNzLmFzeW5jJTNEMSUyQyUwQXQlM0RkLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lJTI4ZSUyOSU1QjAlNUQlMkN0LnBhcmVudE5vZGUuaW5zZXJ0QmVmb3JlJTI4cyUyQ3QlMjklMjklN0QlMjklMjh3aW5kb3clMkNkb2N1bWVudCUyQyUwQSUyMnNjcmlwdCUyMiUyQyUyMm9pb3B1YiUyMiUyQyUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGbm9idWxsaWVzYWxsb3dlZC5vcmclMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGcGx1Z2lucyUyRm9pb3B1Yi1kaXJlY3QlMkZ6b25lcy5qcyUyMiUyOSUzQiUwQSUzQyUyRnNjcmlwdCUzRQ==[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 20, 2018
Diversity, Race & Culture

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”338″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Diversity, Race & Culture

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Schools and communities that respect diversity can help protect children against bullying behavior. However, when children perceived as different are not in supportive environments, they may be at a higher risk of being bullied. When working with kids from different groups, there are specific things you can do to prevent and address bullying.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Race, Ethnicity, and National Origin

It is not clear how often kids get bullied because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin. It is also unclear how often kids of the same group bully each other. Research is still growing. We do know, however, that Black and Hispanic youth who are bullied are more likely to suffer academically than their white peers.

Although no specialized interventions have yet been developed or identified, some federal partners have developed campaign materials for specific racial and ethnic minority groups. For example, the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services has developed a series of materials for American Indian and Alaskan Native youth called “Stand Up, Stand Strong.”

When bullying based on race or ethnicity is severe, pervasive, or persistent it may be considered harassment, which is covered under federal civil rights laws.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Religion and Faith

Very little research has explored bullying based on religious differences. Bullying in these situations may have less to do with a person’s beliefs and more to do with misinformation or negative perceptions about how someone expresses that belief.

For example, Muslim girls who wear hijabs (head scarves), Sikh boys who wear patka or dastaar (turbans), and Jewish boys who wear yarmulkes report being targeted because of these visible symbols of their religions. These items are sometimes used as tools to bully Muslim, Sikh, and Jewish youth when they are forcefully removed by others. Several reports also indicate a rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh bullying over the past decade that may have roots in a perceived association of their religious heritage and terrorism.

When bullying based on religion is severe, pervasive, or persistent, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division may be able to intervene under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act.

Often religious harassment is not based on the religion itself but on shared ethnic characteristics. When harassment is based on shared ethnic characteristics, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights may be able to intervene under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 20, 2018
Effects of Bullying
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”340″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”10px” box_shadow=”small_depth” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Effects of Bullying

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”2″ divider_color=”extra-color-gradient-1″ custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative effects including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. It is important to talk to kids to determine whether bullying—or something else—is a concern.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Kids Who are Bullied

Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:
- Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.
- Health complaints
- Decreased academic achievement—GPA and standardized test scores—and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
A very small number of bullied children might retaliate through extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”40″][vc_column_text]

Kids Who Bully Others

Kids who bully others can also engage in violent and other risky behaviors into adulthood. Kids who bully are more likely to:
- Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults
- Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school
- Engage in early sexual activity
- Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults
- Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults
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Bystanders

Kids who witness bullying are more likely to:
- Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs
- Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
- Miss or skip school
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The Relationship between Bullying and Suicide

Media reports often link bullying with suicide. However, most youth who are bullied do not have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal behaviors.

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Additionally, specific groups have an increased risk of suicide, including American Indian and Alaskan Native, Asian American, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. This risk can be increased further when these kids are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”2%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Source: StopBullying.gov[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”35″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 20, 2018