The School Safety Center

Bullying 101

First of all…

Not all negative, socially unacceptable

behavior is “bullying”.

WA State HIB Definition

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children … that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.

The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm.

http://www.stopbullying.gov/what-is-bullying

Components of the Definition

Intentional

Negative

Repeated

Power Imbalance

Lack of Empathy

Types of Bullying

Different Types of Behaviors Physical

Verbal

Relational

In addition, bullying can be: Direct or Indirect

Related behaviors: NB: Harassment & Intimidation

Conflict

Players – A Community Event

T

The Community:

A

Cyberbullying = bullying

no place safe

viralspeed

“anonymity”

distance

loss of control

even more hidden from adults

Hazing

Data

Impacts

Students engaged in bullying:• Less engaged in school• Grade and test scores decline• Elevated risk for delinquency• 4 times more likely as peers

to have multiple convictions.

Targets:

• Higher rates of anxiety

• Depression

• Physical health problems

• Poor academic performance

• Impact into adulthood

Bystanders:• Have increased risk factors• Have increased depression and

anxiety• Miss or skip school• Stress of fear

Legal Considerations

Harassment-related student bullying &School liability:

1. Target is a member of a “protected class” defined under federal civil rights laws - include gender, race and disability

2. Harassment was based on the students’ membership in a protected class

3. Harassment was severe, pervasive and offensive

4. School had knowledge of the harassment

5. School was deliberately indifferent

The Nexus

The Nexus between on and off-campus behavior:1. location & proximity school

2. time: hour & date

3. the effect on others

4. severity of activity & likely connection to student or staff safety

5. impact on overall environment and safety of the school.

Best Practice Overview

1. Focus on the social environment

2. Assess bullying

3. Garner staff and parent support

4. Form a group to coordinate the school’s activities

5. Train your staff

Best Practice Overview

Interventions:

1. School-wide

2. Classroom

3. On-the-spot

4. Community

Social Norming

Avoid These!

Doesn’t Work:

No school-wide planning

Lack of staff training

Non ‘best practice’ programs

One-shot ‘inoculations’

Scare tactics

“Just say no”

“bullycide”

Zero tolerance policies

Inconsistencies

Words without actions

Makes It Worse:

Outside “experts”

Peer mediation

Just shake hands

Suck it up

Laugh it off

Blaming the target

Boys will be boys (or Girls will be ….)

Not listening

Not protecting targets

Words without actions

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practice Questions

Mike DonlinProgram Supervisor,

Bullying & Harassment Toolkit

The School Safety Centerhttp://www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter