KRS Definition of Bullying: Amend KRS 158.148 to define “bullying”; require a school board’s code of acceptable behavior to prohibit bullying; require the code to include procedures for investigating and responding to reports of bullying and a method to protect a person reporting a bullying incident.
(1) (a) As used in this section, “bullying” means any unwanted verbal, physical, or social behavior among students that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and is repeated or has the potential to be repeated:
1. That occurs on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation, or at a school-sponsored event; or
2. That disrupts the education process.
(b) This definition shall not be interpreted to prohibit civil exchange of opinions or debate or cultural practices protected under the state or federal Constitution where the opinion expressed does not otherwise materially or substantially disrupt the education process.
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.
This FREE, pioneering K -12 digital citizenship curriculum is designed to empower students to think critically and make informed choices about how they create, communicate, and treat others in our ever-evolving, 24/7 digital world.
Check out your library for a copy of this school-yard counting book. It describes the good and bad behaviors in class. While reading the book aloud to your preschool through second grade students, use Powerpoint of visual aids to reinforce good behavior, counting and sequence. Click here for Powerpoint
This interactive question and answer Powerpoint covering bullying prevention has a “Wheel of Fortune” format. As the game is played students are quizzed on types of bullying and cyber-bullying activities. This Powerpoint is good for upper-elementary to high school students.
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.
Stopbullying.gov – Schools across the U.S. frequently confront the issue of bullying among their student population. … The newest feature of OJJDP’s Model Programs Guide website, the I-Guide analyzes research and evaluation to identify how bullying prevention programs have been implemented in schools.
NetSmartz – 19% of teens report having been bullied either in person, online, by text, or by phone. Half of bullied teens say they were bullied in multiple ways. 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.
Elementary Lesson Plan – Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Pacer is a square pumpkin who lives in a round pumpkin patch world. In The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin, a perennial fall favorite children’s story, Spookley helps you understand that the things that make you different are what make you special.
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)
Includes Connections to Common Core State Standards @ RHTeachersLibrarians.com. School Counselor, Laura Barbour has taught and counseled children from preschool through high school and presently works as an elementary professional school counselor at Stafford Primary School in West Linn, Oregon. (Random House Inc)
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)
This site has many creative resources to educate elementary students about bullying. It includes an animated cast of characters, information, celebrity videos, Webisodes, interactive games, animation, contests, and other activities. (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 Foundation for a Better Life creates public service campaigns to communicate positive values. “Locker” – In this motivational commercial a boy is accosted by bullies at school, but pleasantly surprised when he is helped by another student. This models a positive example of reaching out to someone else in need. “Cafeteria” – Girls are sometimes more verbally aggressive and this commercial shows how a new student is mistreated, just because she is new. On a positive note, she is rescued by a student doing the right thing by making a choice to treat her with respect.
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: “Shattering the Myths of Bullying”, “You Can Help”, “Who’s the Bully… Not My Child!”, and “Why don’t kids ask for help?” (KCSS 2-Sided Flyer)
Topics on this handout include: “Characteristics of those who bully”, “Alarming Stats”, “Characteristics of Victims”, and “Long-Term Effects of Bullying” (KCSS 2-Sided Flyer)
Topics on this handout include: “What is Bullying?” “Are you bullying others?” “Students: What’s with those who bully?” “Tell it or Spell it,” “Watch Out Online!” and “Students: What you can do.” (KCSS 2-Sided Flyer)
Topics on this handout include: “What is Bullying?”, “Have they been guilty of bullying someone else?”, “Parents: How to talk about bullying”, “What’s up with all the bullying behavior?”, “5 Tips for parents to prevent bullying”, and “Parents: Watch OUT online!” (KCSS 2-Sided Flyer)
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)
When talking with your students use these handouts. Everyone needs to know the difference in conflict and bullying, and telling and tattling. Review these in classrooms and place on the wall to refer to every now and then. (KCSS)
When talking with your students use these handouts. Everyone needs to know the difference in conflict and bullying, and telling and tattling. Review these in classrooms and place on the wall to refer to every now and then. (KCSS)
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)
Parent Tips Suggestions include: Involve girls in activities outside of school so they are exposed to different types of people, and, encourage relationships with adults and other children who appreciate them for who they are.
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.
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)
This handout addresses online “Threats at School.” Many students are not aware of the fact that all social media acquire and log “IP addresses” even Snapchat. Two-paged handout to help you explain how law enforcement can obtain anyone’s personal information from any of these apps. Then law enforcement can find the offending student and press charges. The student who creates, reposts or sends the fear-provoking material will suffer the consequences of this felony.
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.
As school begins we need to be aware that “The Pack is Back.” Mean girls will be in your halls in full force. In this presentation we will identify “The Mean Girl Pack” and do soul searching to identify who we are and how to become a better person a “Super Hero.” Mean girls use relational aggression which is a kind of social torment (bullying) that often exists without parents and teachers even noticing.
This interactive question and answer Powerpoint covering bullying prevention has a “wheel of fortune” format. As the game is played students are quizzed on types of bullying and cyber-bullying activities. This Powerpoint is good for upper-elementary to high school students.
Thousands of students stay home every day because they fear harassment or bullying at school. More than one-third of Kentucky high school students say that they have been bullied. Learn how to combat bullying and create a safer learning environment with a positive message the whole school can rally around: RESPECT!
To be used with school administrators when dealing with bullying problems in their schools. It can accompany the Bully Prevention Checklist below by Jon Akers, executive director of the Ky Center for School Safety. Bullying Prevention Checklist
Bullying has become a serious concern in school districts across the state and in the nation. Host Renee Shaw and guests explore the impact of bullying on students today, the role of bystander intervention, and how schools are implementing anti-bullying programs.
The Foundation for a Better Life creates public service campaigns to communicate positive values. “Locker” – In this motivational commercial a boy is accosted by bullies at school, but pleasantly surprised when he is helped by another student. This models a positive example of reaching out to someone else in need. “Cafeteria” – Girls are sometimes more verbally aggressive and this commercial shows how a new student is mistreated, just because she is new. On a positive note, she is rescued by a student doing the right thing by making a choice to treat her with respect.
(Kentucky Office of Homeland Security) – Use this tip line (or call 1-866-393-6659) to report concerns of any kind, whether it be at home or at school. You may report anonymously, or choose to be contacted. This is a free service for all Kentuckians.
Jon Akers, Executive Director of KCSS, offer 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.
Perhaps more than any other school safety problem, bullying affects students’ sense of security. The most effective ways to prevent or lessen bullying require school administrators’ commitment and intensive effort; police interested in increasing school safety can use their influence to encourage schools to address the problem. This guide provides police with information about bullying in schools, its extent and its causes, and enables police to steer schools away from common remedies that have proven ineffective elsewhere, and to develop ones. (Department of Justice – COPS)
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.
While bullying doesn’t cause suicide, a stressful environment and persistent, emotional victimization can increase a person’s risk of suicide. Together, we can create awareness about the dangers of bullying and give emotional support to those who may be contemplating suicide. If you or someone you know is in an emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
OnGuardOnline.gov is a partner in the Stop. Think. Connect. campaign, led by the Department of Homeland Security, and part of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It has many free downloads and videos available for schools and communities. (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)
Here are a few survey samples
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
Kentucky Department of Education – Student Discipline Guidelines and model policies are published here in fulfillment of KRS 158.148(2)(c), which requires the Kentucky Department of Education to distribute, in even-numbered years, student discipline guidelines as well as model policies implementing the following Kentucky Revised Statutes: 158.148, 158.156, 158.162, 158.444, 525.070, and 525.080. (includes bullying, harassing, etc.)
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
Learn more
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)
The U.S. Department of Education released … Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies, a new report summarizing current approaches in the 46 states with anti-bullying laws and the 41 states that have created anti-bullying policies as models for schools.
Reports from the National Center for Education Statistics, in the Institute of Education Sciences, use data collected in the School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey. Three Data Points released July 28, 2016 look at trends in reports of bullying, use of hate-related words, etc. in the nation’s schools. (1) Trends in Bullying at School Among Students Ages 12 to 18 (2) Trends in Hate-Related Words at School Among Students Ages 12 to 18 (3) Reports of Bullying and Other Unfavorable Conditions at School
Three Data Points released March 15, 2018 look at trends in reports of bullying, repetition and power imbalance as components of the uniform definition of bullying, and the relationship between students’ feelings of safety in school … (1) Changes in Bullying Victimization and Hate-Related Words at School Since 2007 (2) Students’ Relationships in School and Feelings about Personal Safety at School (3) Repetition and Power Imbalance in Bullying Victimization at School