Bullying At School

Whats It Mean For You?

Jefferson County Public Schools

But its just part of growing up

Natural Conflict

Bullying

Happens occasionally

Happens repeatedly

Accidental

Done on purpose

Not Serious

Serious - threat of
physical harm or
emotional hurt

Equal emotional
reactions

Strong emotional reaction

by victim

Continued
Natural Conflict
Not seeking power or
attention
Not trying to get something

Bullying
Seeking power or control

Trying to gain material things or

power
No remorse blames victim

Remorseful takes
responsibility
Effort to solve the problem

No effort to solve problem

Profile of a Bully
Impulsive
Quick-tempered
Lacks empathy
Rule-breaker
Positive attitude toward
violence in media
Average to above
average student
Leadership ability

Bullies are likely to

Engage in other anti-social activities such as
vandalism, shoplifting, truancy, smoking,
drug/alcohol use
Have been bullied themselves
Manipulate others to join in the behavior
Deny they are doing anything wrong
Blame others for their behavior
Blame the victim - They deserved it.
Display defiance

Profile of a Victim
Cautious and quiet nature
Non-assertive
Negative attitude toward
violence in the media
Appears physically or
emotionally weak
Lacks humor and prosocial skills
Few social connections

Victims are likely to

Feel depressed and/or lonely
Consider themselves failures
Suffer from migraines and
stomach problems
See themselves as stupid or
unattractive
Think often about suicide
Suffer from anxiety/panic attacks
Cry easily
Experience bad dreams
Develop nervous habits nail
biting, twirling hair, etc.

A Bullys Impact on Learning

Promotes a negative environment for learning by

encouraging a climate of fear
Distracts ALL students from learning
Interferes with the development of positive social
relationships
Causes a loss of instructional time while
problems are being addressed
Increases the rate of truancy

according to current research:

20% of middle school students report having
bullied someone else at least several times

Middle School bullies are 4 times likelier than non-bullies to have more than one criminal
conviction by the age of 24

Bullies tend to gravitate toward the wrong crowd

and often develop substance abuse issues.
Young bullies grow into oppositional, defiant, and
aggressive adults with a strong need to dominate
or control others making positive long term
relationships difficult.

17 year old Rachel was a victim of cyberbullying. After four months of

receiving threatening messages through MySpace, Rachel shot herself in the
chest in her parents bedroom and died.
Six months later, Kristin who was Rachels best friend, hanged herself. She
was so devastated by the death of her friend and she asked to be buried next
to Rachel.
Judge Tom Jacobs
Teen Cyberbullying Investigated: Where Do Your Rights End and
Consequences Begin

Kristin Settles

Rachel Neblitt

Steps to take:
Tell an adult. Adult intervention can stop bullies
and we can keep you safe.
Write down the details with dates, times, and
names.
Ask your parent to contact your team leader
and work with teachers to alleviate the problem
first.
If the situation doesnt resolve, ask your parent
to call your counselor or go see your counselor.
Do not contact the bully/family directly.

What to expect from school

Written district policies and school procedures are in place
and will be enforced.
Staff will take concerns seriously and address them
immediately
Adult supervision will be supplemented in areas where
bullying has or is likely to occur
Staff will be notified so they can monitor the situation and
provide help, encouragement and support to the victim
Your parents will be informed about steps taken to stop
the bullying.

Consequences
Criminal charges
Long term suspension
Alternative placement
Expulsion

HB 91
Defines harassment as:
attempting to or actually striking, shoving, kicking another
or committing other acts of physical violence
In a public place, making offensive noises gestures, or
using abusive language directed at another
Following another from place to place
Repeatedly annoying or frightening another with no
legitimate purpose
Creating a hostile environment by means of gestures,
physical acts, or oral/written communication

Harassing communication may

include:
Telephone conversation
Text messages
Web posts
Letters
Drawings
Slam books
**Harassing communication is a Class B
misdemeanor

School staff are required to:

Report incidences to the principal
Report felony offenses to the
School Board
Report felony offenses to local
law enforcement agencies