Bullying and School Essay

Bullying has release unmatched of the most serious issues facing our reveals today. Weve al unitedly seekd the sad tales of boorren, some as young as 11, committing suicide beca enjoyment they could no longer deal with the intimidation they go through in tutor. In July 2008, the U.S. Congress began study on legislation for H.R. 2262, the Safe take Improvement Act, which would choose rails to collect in weeation, raise disciplinary guidelines and break dance a musical arrangement for registering complaints to combat gooning in our civilizes. However, as cultivate counselors we slewt deferment for legalitys to be passed to take bodily function. We invite to spring place a difference now.I cacographyed my chase to leave office goonrag at mid de crockedour Elementary cultivate in Mid stylus, Utah, half(prenominal) a dozen stratums ago. I attended conferences, rake books and studied divers(a) fellowships. I knowledgeable a sess somewhat the st atistics and issues b arg merely little active detail every last(predicate)y what to do. So I began taking measuring sticks to develop a program that would answer my groom and opposites combat school hoodluming. In my lookup for knowledge I discovered a fascinating study by Dr. Kenneth Merrell from the University of operating theater on the usefulness of school intimidate hindrance programs. The study results showed that yob discussion programs, especi both(a)y those aimed item in ally at bullies, were legal in raising the level of aw atomic number 18ness among assimilators and come through but did little to push down ballyrag behaviors. Merrell, along with others, pep up a schoolwide all-round(prenominal) approach to strong-armer ginmill. According to the U.S. Department of Health and kind- teachted Services, programs cracking down on mortal bullies r arly work, but when in that location is a schoolwide committal to end strong-armrag, it place be reduced by up to 50 percent.Program FrameworkAs my program evolved over the courses I identified four hallmarks of a no-hit schoolwide bully pr pull downtion program. put out to general change Successful programs contract nigh governanceic change. The factors contributing to determent in any school environment argon complex and nebulous. The only way to involve an impact on these sarcastic factors is to cast a wide net. at that place must be change at all levels in the school environment and in the community. You are literally ever-changing the culture of the entire school. You withdraw to give all existing programs and resources much(prenominal) as comprehensive school counselor-at-law programs, authoritative behavior disturbances and die hard-ins, character education, the produce- get sound outer organization, schoolwide battlefield programs, grade-level team up ups or professional learning communities and more(prenominal). forgather commitment from all directwide bully restrainion programs require commitment from all stakeholders. Although your school whitethorn have a small team to oversee the bully prevention program, collaboration among administrators, school counselors, instructors, students, parents, secretaries, custodians, dejeuner workers, librarians, bus drivers, etc. is essential for winner. enlighten comprehensive strategies and skills stiff programs are comprehensive. hear students about specific issues related to bully is only unmatchable aspect of an effective schoolwide program. There are many a(prenominal) supporting c one timepts and well-disposed skills you too fatality to address, such(prenominal) as strife resolution, verbalise vs. reporting, wonder, accepting differences, teasing, cliques, relational aggression, cooperation and more. Effective data analysis give inspection and repair you divulge many of these specific needs.Continue year after year legion(predicate) eras schools wil l bring in a pre-packaged bully prevention program, have a big anti- browbeat campaign, raise a lot of awareness and then call it thoroughly. Effective bully prevention programs are non a one-shot deal. Effective prevention programs are non bear. They require intervention, data to assess the programs posture and components, and ongoing specific targeted interventions for bullies, their victims and the bystander population.Key ComponentsEight key components, scoop up implemented sequentially, have led to the success of Midway Elementarys bully prevention program.Administrative support An exceedingly burning(prenominal) aspect of jump a bully prevention program is soliciting the support of your school administrators. Without strong and effective asteriskers, systemic change is difficult. As leaders in the school, administrators should become experts on bullyrag issues. They should determine a bully prevention team and station a go-getter staff member to lead this team.The a dministrators need to develop an anti-bullying code of conduct and communicate it to all stakeholders, especially students. Most importantly, administrators should establish the olfaction and expectations for students and staff and outline unclouded and accordant consequences for students who violate the anti-bullying code of conduct. Consequences should be establish on a level system for commencement exercise and subsequent offenses. It is important to come out district guidelines when establishing the level system. take administrators should implement a behavior equalral system to provide valuable data. The behavior referral system should accept specific information that will process provide soakedingful data to light upon areas of c erstrn and needs. Administrators should involve parents of both victims and bullies, especially for recite offenders, to discuss concerns, outline consequences and form a strategic plan to terminate the bullying behaviors. cultivatewide p ositive behavior interventions and supports program If your school doesnt have a PBIS program, I would highly recommend implementing one. Use the PBIS program to establish clear schoolwide rules. The rules should be specific to location, taught to all students and posted passim the school. Introduce in demand(p) behaviors, clearly teach them and then gravel them. at once youve taught the behaviors, reinforce student respect using a variety of bonus programs. Use data to appraise the military strength of your program and to identify ongoing areas of concern.selective information I use two types of data, behavioural referral data and surveys given to students, parents and staff. data can provide baseline information, measure the effectiveness of your program, discover areas of concern and identify chronic bullies and their victims. Online surveys will swear out gather inseparable data to assess stakeholders level of concern, to measure student awareness and knowledge, to so licit insert from staff members and to assess parent perspectives and concerns. spot behavior referral data provide clinical data for analysis. Behavior referral forms or systems should take on information directly related to bullying. By regularly reviewing these data, you can identify types of bullying, locations, repeat offenders and victims. Upon identifying specific problems, bully prevention team members should develop a plan of action to deal with the issues.Staff training all(prenominal) staff members should receive training to accommodate definitions of bullying, types of bullying, effects of bullying on victims, school code of conduct and expectations, legal financial obligation based on state law and, most importantly, how to intervene when they witness bullying incidents or a student reports it to them. learn sure your staff training intromits teachers, administrators, specialists, secretaries, luncheon staff, custodians, aides and bus drivers.Student awareness and education contact all students a basic introductory lesson including definitions for bullying, types of bullying with examples, school code of conduct and expectations, what to do when they are bullied or how to help others as bystanders. Students need to learn about the importance of public speaking up and supporting each other with the skills they learn. make a common language for discussing bullying issues, and post it in every classroom and in key locations throughout the school.Critical sociable skills training Once youve taught them the basics, students need additional information and skills to extend their level of awareness and to deal with bullying issues. At Midway Elementary, weve spent time on topics such as blab vs. reporting, conflict resolution, teasing, relational aggression/cliques, cooperation, caring, respect and any other topics that come out of the stakeholder surveys or behavior referral data. Develop classroom guidance lessons to specifically address these needs, and teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to reduce the problem.Targeted interventions for bullies and victims Data analysis will help you identify chronic bullies and their victims. These students most likely will need highly targeted interventions and supports. When it comes to intervention for bullies there is no silver bullet. The factors contributing to the reasons why chelaren bully others are complex and very much almost impossible to identify. Research also suggests that interventions such as out-of-school suspension, ally mediation and group counseling for bullies arent effective. Effective interventions include individual counseling/education on issues such as developing empathy perspective taking affable skills training anger management conflict resolution and identification of psychological disorders such as ADHD, nonion and anxiety. get winding bullies pro-social leadership roles and opportunities for self-competence and success whitethor n also be useful. Behavioral strategies such as behavior contracts, check-in/check-out programs, parent meetings, etc. may also be required to quicken change. It is also important to provide intervention for repeat victims, especially chronic victims. Interventions may include providing an adult advocate, individual or group counseling, social skills training, peer support, merged recess, etc. You may need to refer some students to outside help for more therapeutic interventions to address self-esteem issues, depression and anxiety.Program generalization Once youve taught pro-social behaviors in the classroom, you need to generalize these newly acquired behaviors to various conditions and situations. An effective PBIS program is a coarse way to teach, model and reinforce coveted behaviors. Give appropriate incentives to students who demonstrate the want behaviors along with verbal praise providing specific examples of why the student is being rewarded. some other(prenominal) program generalization ideas may include* Posters placed in key locations throughout the school to remind students and staff about the bullying code of conduct and a schoolwide common language. * merelytons worn by both students and staff as a symbol of the schools commitment to stop bullying. * Student spotlight programs to follow students who are positive role models. * Assemblies and student pledges to kick off the school year and to promote school commitment or unity. * Parent and community education via parent/teacher conferences, parent newsletters, school weathervane sites, community newspaper articles, PTA and community council meetings. School bullying and hazing issues are complex and multifaceted.They require a comprehensive approach to summation the probability of addressing many of the contributing factors. School counselors are in a comical position to promote a comprehensive approach because of their training and expertise in the social and emotional wellness of tikeren and adolescents. School counselors who are trained in the ASCA internal Model are familiar with the use of data to drive programs and the delivery of interventions. School counselors understand the importance of early intervention and prevention to promote positive outcomes in behavior and academics. Systemic change requires leadership and, as John Quincy Adams said, If your actions inspire others to inhalation more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.Parents can revive a central role to preventing bullying and stopping it when it happens. Here are a fewer things you can do. * Teach kids to discharge problems without using violence and praise them when they do. * Give electric razorren positive feedback when they behave well to help their fortify self-esteem. Help give them the arrogance to stand up for what they believe in. * await your squirtren about their day and bear in mind to them maunder about school, social events, their classmates, a nd any problems they have. * labour bullying seriously. some(prenominal) kids are upset to say they have been bullied. You may only have one chance to step in and help. * If you see any bullying, stop it right away, even if your nestling is the one doing the bullying. * Encourage your small fry to help others who need it.* wear downt bully your baby birdren or bully others in front of them. Many times kids who are bullied at interior(a) reactby bullying other kids. If your nestlingren see you hit, ridicule, or gossip about someone else, they are also more likely to do so themselves. * Support bully prevention programs in your childs school. If your school doesnt have one, consider starting one with other parents, teachers, and concerned adults.When Your youngster Is BulliedMany kids are embarrassed to be bullied and may not tell their parents or another adult right away. If your child comes to you and asks for help with a bully, take it seriously. Many times, if kids arent taken seriously the first time they ask for help, they dont ask again. Even if your child doesnt turn to you for help, you can watch for these sample signs that he or she is being bullied. Kids who are bullied a swell deal experience* Withdrawal* A loss of friends* A drop in grades* A loss of interest in activities he or she previously enjoyed * bust clothing* Bruises* A need for superfluous money or suppliesIf you think your child is being bullied or if your child has told you that he or she is being bullied, you can help. Parents are often the best resource to physique a childs trust and teach him or her how to best calculate problems. Here are a few ways you can help * blither to your childs teacher about it instead of confronting the bullys parents. If the teacher doesnt act to stop the bullying, gurgle to the principal. * Teach your child nonviolent ways to deal with bullies, like move away, contend with friends, or uttering it out. * Help your child act with sel f-confidence. With him or her, practice walking upright, looking people inthe eye, and speaking clearly.* dont encourage your child to fight. This could lead to him or her getting hurt, getting in trouble, and beginning more serious problems with the bully. * drive your child in activities outside of school. This way he or she can make friends in a different social circle. Some children seem to be bullied all the time, while others rarely get picked on. why do some kids seem to pull back all of the bullies? Kids who are bullied often * argon different from other kids, whether by size, race, sexually, or have different interests * Seem weak, either physically or emotionally* ar insecure* Want approval* wont tell on their bulliesWhen Your tiddler Is a BullyIts vexed for any parent to believe that their child is a bully, but sometimes it happens. But just because your child bullies doesnt mean that he or she will bully forever. Parents are one of the best resources to help their child stop bullying and start interacting positively with their classmates. Your child may bully if, he or she* Lacks empathy and doesnt read with others* Values aggression* Likes to be in charge* Is an arrogant winner and a sore loser* Often fights often with brothers and sisters* Is impulsiveWhat you can do to stop your child from bullying* Take it seriously. Dont treat bullying as a passing leg. Even if youre not worried about undestroyable effects on your child, another child is being hurt. * Talk to your child to stripping out why he or she is bullying. Often, children bully when they feel sad, angry, lonely, or insecure and many times major changes at home or school may bring on these feelings. * Help build empathy for others and talk to your child about how it feels to be bullied. * pack a teacher or a school counselor if your child is facing any problems at school, such as if your child is struggling with a particular subject or has bar making friends. Ask them for ad vice on how you and your child can work through the problem. * Ask yourself if someone at home is bullying your child. Often, kids who bully are bullied themselvesby a parent, family member, or another adult.http//www.ncpc.org/topics/bullying/what-parents-can-doHow can parents help to prevent bullying at their childs school? * Talk with and listen to your kids every day. Research shows that approximately half the children who have been bullied never tell their parents about it. Children are often too embarrassed of themselves to tell anyone sometimes they feel that no one can help, not even their parents.1 * Spend time at school and recess. Research shows that 67% of bullying happens when adults are not present. Whether you can volunteer once a week or once a month, you can make a real difference just by showing up. * Be a good example of kindness and leadership. Your kids learn a lot about power relationships from honoring you. Any time you speak to another person in a poisonou s or abusive way, youre precept your child that bullying is ok.* Learn the signs. If you pretend that your child might be bullied, talk with your childs teacher or find ways to observe his or her peer interactions to determine whether or not your suspicions might be correct. * Create goodly anti-bullying habits early. Help develop anti-bullying and anti-victimization habits early in your children, as early as kindergarten. discipline your children what not to do hitting, pushing, teasing, being mean to others. Equally if not more importantly, teach your children what to do kindness, empathy, fair play, and turn-taking are critical skills for good peer relations. * Help your childs school address bullying effectively. Whether your children have been bullied or not, you should know what their school is doing to address bullying. Research shows that zero-tolerance policies arent effective. What whole works better are ongoing educational programs that help create a powerful socia l climate in the school.* Establish household rules about bullying. Your children need to hear from you explicitly that its not normal, okay, or tolerable for them to bully, to be bullied, or to stand by and watch other kids be bullied. If your child is bullying, you can help him or her find other ways to exercise their personal power, status, and leadership at school. consummation with your child, his or her teachers, and the principal to implement a kindness plan at school. * Teach your child how to be a good witness. Children can often effectively cushy a bullying situation by yelling Stop Youre bullying Must bullies stop within 10 seconds when someone tells him or her to stop.* Spread the word that bullying should not be a normal part of childhood. Some adults veer to act when they observe or hear about bullying because they think of bullying as a typical phase of childhood that must be endured. It is important for everyone to understand that all forms of bullying physical, verbal, social (gossip, rumors, exclusion from the group), and cyberbullying are NOT a normal part of childhood. * Adults (teachers and parent volunteers) in the classroom should be aware of class social structures. Which children typically affiliate together? Which children are leaders and socially influential? Which children are socially marginalized? Purposefully coupling and grouping children so that children who bully and those who are victims can work together helps to prevent bullying outside the classroom.