Bullying

This federal government website is managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. It includes information on bullying, cyberbullying, prevention of both, and many other useful resources. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy. Some resources include: Why Some Youth Bully; Being Kind Helps Prevent Bullying and Bullying Prevention Training Center

Pacer – Classroom Toolkits – There are activities for younger students, as well as middle and high school. Also, a student created toolkit is listed with videos, music and artwork designed by students for other students to use.  This is a great way to create a dialogue with your class.  They can be the solution and a superhero as they work together to stop bullying.

The researched based STEPS TO RESPECT program teaches elementary students to recognize, refuse, and report bullying, be assertive, and build friendships. In fact, a recent study found that the program led to a 31 percent decline in bullying and a 70 percent cut in destructive bystander behavior. This curriculum is one example of an evidence-based curriculum.

Present a unique and comprehensive approach to preventing youth violence by targeting the root causes of bullying and other forms of social cruelty. It exposes the cultural expectations that teach young people to humiliate and dehumanize others as the way to achieve power and respect, then challenges them to transform this dynamic. A CD is included for a nominal fee.

NetSmartz – 20-30% of kids report having been cyberbullied in their lifetime. Resources to help deal with cyberbullying – such as “Cyberbullying Unplugged (PDF)”.

Six 90-minute sessions for 9-12 graders. Using a realistic, high-interest novel (The Bully by Paul Langan) and interactive reading strategies, students discuss many issues that surround bullying and consider what they themselves can do to prevent bullying.

National Education Association – It is our responsibility as educators to know how and what we are expected to do, and how laws and policies support our actions. For example, when you intervene in a bullying incident, you are not infringing on the bullying student’s right to free speech. … Ultimately, the steps to take to intervene should be trained and discussed as a part of a comprehensive school-wide bullying prevention program.

Bullying is a devastating form of abuse that can have long-term effects on youthful victims, robbing them of self-esteem, isolating them from their peers, causing them to drop out of school, and even prompting health problems … This site includes resources that include advice, training, publications, programs, podcasts, etc. to help address bullying issues. (National Crime Prevention Council)

Students in grades 2-5 can use these activities to practice skills in resolving conflicts with bullies and help them think critically about logical resolutions.  Teasing is Tough  – Get children to talk about how it feels to be teased. Work together to create coping strategies, in this activity from Arthur. (PBS Learning Media)

This site for middle and high school students includes interactive sections on defining bullying, feelings about bullying, how to respond to bullying and scenarios/ testimonials from students who have been bullied. Search the website by clicking on the headings across the top of page, “Identify”, “Respond”, “Listen” etc., to access useful and up-to-date information about how to approach and prevent bullying. (PACER’S National Center for Bully Prevention)

In this Dinosaur Train episode, the Pteranodon kids and Tank Triceratops play games at Big Pond, where they discuss the purpose of Tank’s frill, and outsmart a bully. They learn that Tank’s frill is a defense mechanism which makes the Triceratops look threatening to potential predators. (Stream Only)

In this episode of NJEA’s Classroom Close-up, pre-K and kindergarten students at Teaneck‘s Bryant Elementary School get an early anti-bullying lesson from a teacher-produced puppet show called “Helping Drew”. Elementary school educator, Alex Ishkanian, combines his passion for the performing arts and his education background to create engaging, dramatic programs for elementary-school-aged students. (Stream, Download and Share)

The Ned Program school-wide character education program centers around a 45 minute assembly called The NED Show. NED is a loveable cartoon character whose name is an acronym for Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best. Teachers love that NED is simple, relatable and kid-focused.

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed to improve peer relations and make schools safer, more positive places for students to learn and develop.

Topics on this handout include: “Characteristics of those who bully”, “Alarming Stats” and “Who are the victims?” (KCSS 2-Sided Handout)

Topics on this handout include: “What is Bullying?”, “Are you bullying others?”, “Students: What’s with those who bully?”, “Bystanders to Bullying” and “Why don’t kids ask for help?” (KCSS 2-Sided Handout)

Educate the school staff and students on the real definition of bullying. Be consistent when enforcing policies and codes of conduct (after these have been revised and work for your school).  (KCSS Handout)

When talking with your students use these handouts. Everyone needs to know the difference between conflict and bullying. Review these in classrooms and place them on the wall to refer to every now and then.  (KCSS Handout)

Jon Akers, Executive Director of KCSS, offers suggestions for principals to consider when establishing bullying/harassment standards within their respective schools. This is not an all-inclusive list…but it is a good start for principals to reflect and act accordingly. (KCSS Handout) 

If someone threatens a school or school activity in any way that causes the school to have to evacuate (to keep students and teachers safe), that is called terroristic threatening. (KCSS Handout)

• It’s not a joke!
• It’s not a prank!
• It’s not for fun!
• It’s against the law!

Bookmarks are fun and they are a great way to encourage students with a theme. This Seuss inspired bookmark is for early elementary and rhymes. It promotes kindness and sharing. Everyday, let’s enjoy reading and show kindness, helping make our schools a great place to learn and grow.

Parents can prepare themselves to talk with their children by considering how they are going to handle their child’s questions and emotions. They can also decide what information they would like to give their child about bullying. (From PACER)

A collection of videos, along with a few sent in by audiences. All are curated around content themes of bullying prevention, kindness, acceptance and inclusion. (PACER’S National Center for Bully Prevention)

This video depicts a mock bullying scene with children playing a game and excluding one child. During the mock segment, Mackenzie, the host, identifies what bullying is, the different forms of bullying, and what to do if you or a friend is being bullied. Finally, the scene is replayed with a different outcome with all three children engaging with each other. (PBS Learning Media)

Jon Akers, Executive Director of KCSS, offers suggestions for principals to consider when establishing bullying/harassment standards within their respective schools. This is not an all-inclusive list…but it is a good start for principals to reflect and act accordingly. (KCSS Handout)

StopBullying.gov – Every phase of community assessment, planning and evaluation entails a process of shared decision-making and coordination in carrying out the tasks assigned. Conducting a landscape assessment of bullying prevention strategies that may already exist in your community will inform your own efforts and provide a better understanding of how receptive your community will be to a bullying prevention campaign.

How to talk to your kids about being online, and how to help them make good decisions and stay safe. Resources on topics include cyberbullying, online security, mobile devices, socializing online, video games, texting and sexting. (The Federal Trade Commission) 

A free app from SAMHSA that can prevent bullying. Research shows that parents and caregivers who spend at least 15 minutes a day talking with their child can build the foundation for a strong relationship and help prevent bullying. (From SAMHSA)

Assessments—such as surveys—can help schools determine the frequency and locations of bullying behavior. They can also gauge the effectiveness of current prevention and intervention efforts. Knowing what’s going on can help school staff select appropriate prevention and response strategies. Assessments involve asking school or community members—including students—about their experiences and thoughts related to bullying. An assessment is planned, purposeful, and uses research tools. (StopBullying.gov)

Kentucky Department of Education – Bullying can come in a variety of forms such as verbal, social or relational, physical and cyberbullying. Quite frequently, when a child experiences a form of bullying, parents and/or school personnel need assistance in identifying possible solutions.

Regulations/Statutes

KRS 158.148 – Definition of “bullying” — discipline guidelines and model policy — local code of acceptable behavior and discipline — required contents of code
KRS 525.070 – Harassment
KRS 525.080 – Harassing Communications

Safe Supportive Learning – U.S. Department of Education – Kentucky laws and regulations are listed.

LAWS

KRS 2.227. Anti-Bullying Month; KRS 158.156. Reporting of commission of felony KRS Chapter 508 offense against a student–Investigation–Immunity from liability for reporting–Privileges no bar to reporting; KRS 158.183. Prohibited acts by students–Rights of student–Duties of local board of education–Administrative remedies; KRS 525.070. Harassment; KRS 525.080. Harassing communications

State and local lawmakers have taken action to prevent bullying and protect children. Through laws (in their state education codes and elsewhere) and model policies (that provide guidance to districts and schools), each state addresses bullying differently. Each state refers to bullying in its laws and what they require on part of schools and districts. By clicking the link above you can access a map with each state’s information. (StopBullying.gov)