Developing an Effective Anti-Bullying Policy

Valerie R. Cherry, Ph.D., Principal Mental Health Consultant,

Humanitas

Julie A. Luht, MPH, Health Analyst, Humanitas

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The Plan Overview bullying-prevention information Preview the SafetyNet virtual toolkit Discuss how your center can develop an

effective anti-bullying policy

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Take a minute to think… Of a time when you

were bullied, teased, or harassed. This could have been 30 years ago or last week.

What did bystanders do to help or hurt the situation?

How did an authority figure (e.g., teacher, principle, supervisor) react?

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Quiz QuestionHow often do teachers or other adults

intervene in situations that involve bullying?

a. 4% of the timeb. 10% of the timec. 25% of the timed. 47% of the time

Ref: eBasedPrevention: http://www.ebasedprevention.org/bullying.asp

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The SafetyNet

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Bullying Prevention Toolkit Core components Six-module staff

training Resources Brochure/Fact sheet Sample policy CSS integration Scenarios Newsletter article

PowerPoint presentations

Hazing Information Notice

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Core Components Planning Training Promotional Activities Environmental Safeguards Center-wide Prevention Activities

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Six-Module Training Bullying Overview Planning a Bullying-

Prevention Program Recognizing Bullying Helping the Target Working with the Bully What Would You Do?

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Brochures and Fact Sheets

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Bully Police USA- http://www.bullypolice.org

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And the laws for Mississippi…

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Anti-Bullying Policy

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Why An Anti-Bullying Policy?

Persistent bullying can severely inhibit a person’s ability to learn effectively, lead to mental health issues, and even violence

A center culture where bullying is allowed or ignored will lead to poor retention of students and more serious acts of disturbance

Job Corps file review

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Goals of An Anti-Bullying Policy

A policy that promotes a training and educational environment for all students, employees, and volunteers free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying

A policy that supports a total learning experience on center which includes personal growth, employability, healthy interpersonal relationships, wellness, and freedom from discrimination and abuse

A policy that gives a clear and consistent message that harassment, intimidation or bullying are forms of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will be identified and not allowed at Job Corps centers or the work environment

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True or False

An effective policy includes a clearly stated “Zero Tolerance” for bullying behavior?

A policy is more effective, if it provides interventions for bullies and targets of bullies?

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Elements of An Effective Anti-Bullying Policy Preparation Writing the Policy Communication Keys to Success

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Preparation Identify an anti bullying policy writing

team Conduct center self-assessment and data

review Identify applicable state law(s) related to

bullying

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Writing the Policy Describe the center’s position on bullying Define bullying Address applicable state law(s) Describe how the policy will be introduced

and disseminated to center students and staff

Outline responsibilities and rights of students and staff

Describe sanctions for bullying behavior Describe rewards for inclusive behavior

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Writing the Policy Identify procedures for reporting Describe how the center will respond to

and investigate reports of bullying Identify the job title of the center official

responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented

Identify the job title of the center official who will complete significant incident reports for bullying

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Writing the Policy Con’t Identify how the center will protect targets

of bullying Identify how the center will increase

positive behavior of bullies Include a statement that expresses your

center’s on-going commitment to prevent bullying and to support a positive center climate

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Communication Add anti-bullying policy to the center’s

student handbook and web site Include in “Introduction to Center Life”

presentation for students during CPP Include in orientations for new staff Include in staff development trainings Integrate with Career Success Standards Send copy of this policy to the regional

office

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Keys to Success Students and Staff are

Key to a Successful Anti-Bullying Policy

Students and staff are more likely to support an anti-bullying campaign when they have been directly involved in determining the need for such a program, developing the policy and deciding on its implementation

Confidentiality must be maintained in order for the program to be viewed by the students as credible

Firm limits on unacceptable behavior by the center administration

Consistent application of sanctions for unacceptable behavior or violation of rules by the center administration

Staff are involved and act as authorities and positive role models

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Resources

ChecklistSample Policy

Fact SheetBrochure

Bullying-Prevention Resource List