Bullying in Wareham Schools

A. CATTABRIGA

Bullying: A Definition
Bullying is the repeated use by one or more

students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

Bullying

causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target's property; places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to his/her property; creates a hostile environment at school for the target; infringes on the rights of the target at school; or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Bullying includes cyberbullying

Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying through the use of

technology or any electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but not limited to email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings.

Signs a Child is Being Bullied

Unexplainable injuries

Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry

Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves,

or talking about suicide

Discipline
The penalties for bullying, cyberbullying and

retaliation fall under "Group E of the Student Conduct Code for Wareham Public Schools". The penalties for such offenses will reflect the severity of the offense. Penalities may include, but not be limited to any one or combination of the following:

verbal admonition, written reprimand, suspension or expulsion from school, and/or counseling.

Signs a Child May be a Bully

Get into physical or verbal fights

Have friends who bully others

Are increasingly aggressive Get sent to the principal s office or to detention frequently Have unexplained extra money or new belongings Blame others for their problems

Don t accept responsibility for their actions

Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

Children Who Are Bullied May

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 performance 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.

Kids Who Bully Others 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

Children Who Witness Bullying are Likely to

Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety

Miss or skip school

How to Talk About Bullying

The best way to prevent bullying is to educate

students about the dangers of bullying.

Help Kids Understand Bullying Keep the Lines of Communication Open Encourage Kids to Do What They Love Model How to Treat Others with Kindness and Respect

Activities to Teach Students About Bullying

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

Writing About Bullying: How can we help?

Choose a grade appropriate story in which a

character is being bullied. Have the students write a paragraph or two on how they would help if they were a part of the story. Suggested stories:

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Cinderella The New Girl by Meg Cabot Hercules

More Lessons on Bullying

http://cybersmartcurriculum.org/cyberbullying/lessons/ http://www.teachpeacenow.org/bullying.html http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/activities/tool

kits/
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/character_ed.htm http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/bully.shtml

Resources
http://www.warehamps.org/district/schools/wms/b

ullying.html
http://www.stopbullying.gov/index.html http://www.education.com/reference/article/role-

of-adults-in-preventing-bullying/