Introduction to School District Policy

5.002: Prohibiting Bullying and Harassment

Kim MazauskasRick Lewis

Department of Safe Schools

(561) 982-000

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Purpose of this Vodcast

Provide you with information on the requirements of the:

“Jeffrey Johnston “Stand Up For All Students Act”

New School Board Policy 5.002Direct you to additional resources

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Requirements of the Law

Definition of bullying and harassment

Intervention processes and time frames

Publication of policy and requirements for anonymous reporting systems

Mandated education for staff

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Definition of Bullying

“Bullying means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees.”

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Definition of Bullying, con’t.

“unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by an adult or a student, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; to cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation.”

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“It may involve, but is not limited to:”

(Unwanted) teasing

Social exclusion

Threat

Intimidation

Stalking

Physical violence

Theft

Sexual, religious, or racial/ethnic harassment

Public humiliation

Damaging or Destruction of property

Placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or property

Cyberbullying

Cyber-stalking

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Characteristics of Bullying

Was the behavior committed intentionally to inflict harm on the other?

Was there an imbalance in the physical, social, or emotional power between the students?

Was the behavior inflicted repeatedly? Is there a pattern to this behavior or situation?

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Olweus Clip

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Recognizing Bullying

Physical Aggressionpushing, shoving, hitting, kicking, defacing property, stealing, demeaning and humiliating, locking up, violence against family/friends, using weapons, inflicting bodily harm

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Recognizing Bullying

Verbal Aggressionmocking, name calling, taunting, teasing (clothes, appearance), verbal threats against property, possessions, verbal threats of violence or of inflicting bodily harm

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Recognizing Bullying

Intimidationthreatening to reveal personal information, graffiti, publicly challenging, defacing property or clothing, taking possessions, extortion, coercion, threatening with a weapon

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Recognizing Bullying

Social Alienation

gossiping, embarrassing, rumors, ethnic slurs, public humiliation, exclusion, social rejection, malicious and premeditative behaviors, rumor mongering, threatening total isolation

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Cyber-bullying and Cyber-stalking

“Use of electronic communication or technological devices to include, but not be limited to, e-mail messages, instant messaging, text messaging, cellular telephone communication, internet blogs, social websites, internet chat rooms, internet postings, digital pictures or images, and defamatory websites to engage in acts of bullying and harassment.”

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New addition re: cyber-bullying

“The physical location or time of access of a computer-related incident cannot be raised as a defense in any disciplinary action initiated under this section.”

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What is Harassment?

Harassment: Threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of computers, or written, verbal,or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that causes reasonable fear of

harm to person or property; substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance,opportunities, or benefits; or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a school.

Also includes cyber-bullying. Adult reporting number: (561) 357-5999

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Costs: For Victims

Low self-concept Depression Anxiety Somatic complaints Social withdrawal, isolation and non-acceptance

Absenteeism Aggression Loss of Hope

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Costs: For Aggressors

Moral disengagementDelinquency Early alcohol useDrug useSexual harassmentCorrelation with imprisonment

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If you should come across bullying/harassing behavior:

Never ignore a situation that involves intimidation. Immediately interrupt the bullying or harassing comments and/or behavior on the spot!

Model respectful verbal and body language

Make it clear that the behavior is unacceptable and it violates school and workplace policy • Name and identify the behavior(s). • Label the specific behavior you witnessed, and repeat the specific words you heard and use them.

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If you should come across bullying/harassing behavior, take

these steps: Support the victimized student(s) and/or colleague to regain self-control and save face. Address the behavior in front of all the bystanders. Don’t allow the aggressor to make excuses.

Determine the severity of the incident. Assess the safety of all the participants. Determine if this incident has the potential to continue and/or escalate. Inform administrators unless you have reason to believe the incident was truly minor.

Follow up in private with all involved.

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New requirements

Must include this policy in adult and student handbooks

Must post notices Must establish anonymous reporting methods• Assign a school phone number to be checked for messages

• Secondary schools: drop boxes?

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Resource Guide

Go on http://safeschools.palmbeach.k12.fl.us/bullying

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Protecting StudentsNational School Board Association

“Research indicates that creating a supportive school climate is the most important step in preventing harassment. A school can have policies and procedures, but those alone will not prevent harassment. Good preventive and proactive mindset is what we need to help ensure that our schools provide a safe and welcomed environment for all students.”