1

Prevention of Bullying & Harassment: A Shared Responsibility

• The Waunakee Community School District is committed to providing a work and learning environment that is free from harassment and bullying.

2

Bullying & Harassment: Laws & BOE Policy 443.9

The Waunakee Community School District strives to provide a safe, secure and respectful learning environment for all students in school buildings, on school grounds, and school buses, other district owned vehicles and at school-sponsored activities. Bullying has a harmful social, physical, psychological and academic impact on bullies, victims and bystanders. The school district consistently and vigorously addresses bullying so that there is no disruption to the learning environment and learning process.

3

Bullying—Harassment:Is there a difference?

• Harassment may be a single incident or a series of incidents.

• Bullying is repeated inappropriate behavior, direct or indirect and by one or more persons which undermines an individuals right to dignity.

• Video Clip: Chapter 1, 1:10-5 minutes

4

Bullying—Harassment:

What is it?• It is about POWER over others.• Harassment and bullying makes the target or

victim feel uncomfortable. • It involves unwelcome, unwanted actions.• May be words, gestures, notes, pictures,

physical contacts, or electronic.• May be racial, sexual, ethnic, religious,

marital status, socio-economic, sexual orientation, physical, mental, or emotional disability.

• Video Clip Chapter 3, 10:55- 11:40 minutes “… you just have to ask.”

5

Bullying & Harassment: Special Information

• Sexual Harassment: Individuals under the age of 16 may not be touched in a sexual manner and may not consent to be touched in a sexual manner.

• Harassment can rapidly turn into abuse and/or assault/battery.

• Sexual harassment may escalate to assault.

• The response: Retaliation, intimidation, escalating to a fight, other?

• Self- Defense, Fighting.… your options? the consequences?

6

Bullying & Harassment:Our Responsibilities

• Tell the person to STOP!

• If severe or repeated - DOCUMENT the behavior.

• Involve an adult.• Tell your parent(s)

about the situation and how you responded.

• Be part of the solution… not the problem.