Bullying is a Public Health Problem

CAPT Martha CulverActing Deputy Regional Administrator

Nurse Consultant

CDR Madelyn Reyes Senior Nurse Consultant

Department of Health and Human ServicesHealth Resources and Services Administration

Slap Stick Comedy or Bullying?

The Three Stooges!

Bullying occurs in every community; regardless of:

• Age

• Race

• Ethnicity

• Sexual orientation/identity

• Socioeconomic status

• Mental/physical ability

• Religious affiliation

Definitions

• Bullying

• Cyber-bullying

• Bullycide

The Psycho-Social Impact on Children

Bullying!

Hurts!

State Laws on Bullying

State Laws on Cyberbullying

How to assess if a bullying intervention program is needed

• Form a bullying prevention committee

• Assess bullying by administering an anonymous student questionnaire

• Train all school personnel and students to recognize bullying and what to do in a bullying situation

What Parents Should Teach their Children

• Help your child understand bullying

• Keep open lines of communication with your child

• Take a stand against bullying

• Always tell a trusted adult

• Know what is going on in your child’s school

What Parents Should Teach their Children (Cont.)

• If it is safe, tell the person to stop

• Try to avoid situations in which bullying is likely to happen

• Be an active bystander (only if it is safe)

• Refer to tip sheets on the stopbullying.gov website

Stop Bullying Now Campaign!

Webisode 1: KB’s First Dayhttp://takeastand.stopbullying.gov/kids/webisodes/webisode-01.aspx

Stop Bullying Now! Campaign

Stop Bullying Now! Campaign

Webisode 5: KB’s Dayhttp://takeastand.stopbullying.gov/kids/webisodes/webisode-05.aspx

Webisode 11: Power in Numbershttp://takeastand.stopbullying.gov/kids/webisodes/webisode-11.aspx

Stop Bullying Now! Campaign

Evidence-Based School Programs

• Olweus Bullying Prevention Program for ages 6-14

• Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum for ages 4-14

• Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program for ages 8-12

Bullying Prevention: A Public Health Approach

Proposed training of CC officers with the goal of having a cadre of trained professionals who will be available to communities to educate adults and youths on the dangers of bullying along with providing strategies for combating it.

Discussion/Questions?

Contact InformationCAPT Martha Culver Acting Deputy Regional Administrator/Nurse ConsultantHRSA/ORO1301 Young St., Suite 1030Dallas, TX 75202Martha.Culver@hrsa.hhs.gov

CDR Madelyn Reyes Senior Nurse ConsultantHRSA/MCHB/DHSPS5600 Fishers LaneRoom 18-12, Parklawn Building Rockville, MD 20857Madelyn.Reyes@hrsa.hhs.gov