Bullying and Harassment Identification and Prevention

East Allen County Schools Student Training

6 out of 10 American teenagers witness bullying in school once a day

Bullying affects nearly 1 in 3 American school children in grades 6 through 10

83% of girls and 79% of boys report experiencing harassment

Source: www.nea.org

Bullying Overview & Terminology

Bullying Prevention & the Law Bullying is defined for Indiana schools in

HEA 1423

IC 20-33-8-0.2 – “Bullying” means: Overt (intentional) unwanted, repeated acts or gestures

including: Verbal or Written communication, or images

transmitted in any manner (including digitally or electronically)

Physical acts committed, aggression, or any other behaviors that are committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to Harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the

targeted student and Create for the targeted student an objectively

hostile school environment

Bullying Prevention & the Law (Cont.) IC 20-33-8-0.2 (continued )- an “objectively hostile

learning environment”: places the targeted student in reasonable fear or

harm to the to the targeted student’s person or property;

has a substantially detrimental effect on the targeted student’s physical or mental health;

has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s academic performance; OR

has the effect of substantially interfering with the targeted student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, and privileges provided by the school

6

Title IX

What is Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sexual discrimination. Sexual harassment is a type of discrimination.

EACS has policies in place that protects students from being sexually harassed at school, extra-curricular activities, and all other school sponsored events.

Defining Bullying in Simple Terms

Unwanted, aggressive behavior

Repeated or potential for

repeated behavior

Real or perceived power imbalance

Sexual Harassment = Unwanted/Unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature

Inappropriate touching - Somebody touching, patting, kissing, pinching, hugging, groping, or brushing up against you when you don’t want them to do it.

Inappropriate gestures - gestures or body language of a sexual nature, including leering or staring at another

Sexual Harassment = Unwanted/Unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature

Repetitive requests - Someone you met puts pressure on you for sex (included repeated requests, staring, or other persistent behavior).

Inappropriate jokes – of a sexual nature. In person or by using technology

Slander/Name Calling - harsh words that defame someone’s character and/or make reference to a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation

TerminologyTarget: Student who has been

bullied

Bully: Student who has been identified as exhibiting behavior that was determined to be bullying

Bystander: Student(s) who have observed another student being bullied

Types of Bullying

PhysicalVerbalSocial/RelationalElectronic or Written

Communication (“Cyberbullying”)

12

Types of Sexual Harassment

Verbal

Physical - including intimidation

Using Technology – text messages, cyber bullying, use of social media

Physical Bullying

Examples:Hitting/Punching/PushingTrippingSpittingBreaking someone’s thingsBlocking someone’s pathThrowing objects at someone

Verbal Bullying

Examples:Name callingMean commentsMockingMaking fun of youInsults related to race, disability,

gender, sexual orientationNegative comments about the way

you look, dress or act

Social/Relational Bullying

Examples:Spreading rumorsGossipingLeaving someone out on purposeIgnoringThreatening aggression against

people, property or possessions (verbal or written)

Intimidating looks or gesturesEmbarrassing someone in public

Electronic or Written Communication Bullying (Cyberbullying)

Inappropriate, derogatory, or threatening electronic messagesNotesInstant MessageTextSocial network sitesDigital picturesWebsite postingsFake profiles

Bullying is NOT:There are many types of aggressive

behaviors that do not fit the definition of bullying. This does not mean that they are any less serious or do not require intervention. Peer ConflictTeen Dating ViolenceHazingGang ViolenceStalkingFriendship problemsShort-term argumentFights

Bullying Prevention & Intervention for

Students

Bullying or Harassment can occur anywhere: in schoolat homein sportson social mediaon the busetc.

Prevention

Treat all people with respect and empathy Foster a positive school climate Do not ignore bullying or

harassment /Do something Report all bullying and harassment

Discretely Snitching VS. Reporting

Prevention

Be a Buddy for: Younger students Quieter students

You have an opportunity to set a positive example:In school Away from school

What Bystanders can do to assist

Ask bully to stop Don’t support the Bully:

Don’t join the bully Don’t laugh or spread rumors Don’t tease or gossip

Support targeted students Privately w/kind words Publicly (pick up books, walk with them,

include them, etc.)

What Bystanders can do to assist

Report incidents to a trusted adult Snitching VS. Reporting Support the targeted students Do not support the bully Be assertive not aggressive Report acts of bullying or harassment to

a trusted adult

How Targets of Bullying or Harassment can help themselves

Ignore bullying behavior Respond with humor Be assertive not aggressive Spend time in groups Request bully or harasser to stop and

walk away Tell a teacher, guidance counselor,

principal, parent, Title IX Coordinator or other trusted adult

Get involved in extra curricular activities

The impact on Bullies

School Sanctions Parental discipline Criminal prosecution

Harassment Intimidation Disorderly Conduct Battery Criminal trespass Computer Trespass

FYI

Intimidation is against the law, just like physical actions and threats

Bullying and harassment can be prosecuted Athletic or academic status is not a

protection Bullying and harassment at school is taken

seriously (Tier one or two consequences or referral to law enforcement)

Remember…It takes everyone working together to make your school a safe and supportive environment where every student feels welcome and ready to learn

As a member of this school community, it’s your responsibility to:

Learn about bullying and harassment and how it is different than other behaviors

Report bullying or harassment to a trusted adultDo your part to make your school a safe place!

Remember…When you see something, do

something.Source: www.stopbullying.gov

31

Who is responsible for ensuring that your school is harassment free:

Principals, Assistant Principals, teachers, staff, and students

EVERYONE!

32

EACS’ Title IX Coordinator

Responsible for EACS’ compliance with Title IX and directs complaint

investigations.

Amanda Ricketts1240 State Road 930 E.New Haven, IN 46744

260-446-0100 ext 1009aricketts@eacs.k12.in.us