bullying victimization and bullicide: implications for school safety dr. scott poland nova...
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Bullying Victimization and Bullicide: Implications for
School Safety
Dr. Scott PolandNova Southeastern University
Reality of Bullying Bullying Facts from U.S. Department of Education Website:
Bullying peaks in middle childhoodStudies show 15 to 25% of students are
being bullied with some frequencyMost common forms are being made fun of,
being the subject of rumors, being pushed, shoved, kicked, tripped or spit on
Only 1/3 of the victims told an adult
Reality of Bullying Cyber bullying is a new phenomena and
increases the complexity and challenge of intervention
Children with disabilities are at higher risk to be bullied
GLBT youth are more likely to be bullied than their heterosexual peers
New Term BullicideParents believe that schools failure to stop the
bullying greatly contributed to their child’s depression and suicide is a foreseeable consequence of the school’s failure to identify and constrain bullies from victimization.
Jasperson v. Anoka-Hennepin MN State Appeals Court found the suicide of an 8th grader was not foreseeable to school personnel. School personnel did not know the student continued to be victimized and that his failing grades were due to fear. There was no causal connection between the conduct of school personnel and the tragic suicide. All school personnel acted within their discretion without malice and were entitled to official immunity.
My Most Recent Congressional TestimonyStrengthening School Safety and Prevention
of BullyingHouse Education and Labor Joint
Subcommittee on July 8, 2009Focus of my testimonyOther witnesses: Ms. Walker, Parent,
Student President of S.A.V.E., Ken Trump, School Security
Importance of Building Relationships and Connections
The Fourth R articleResearch on bullying prevention is still developingWe know that positive interactions and good relationships
between staff and students can significantly reduce bullyingCreating connections is a critical element (U.S. Department of
Education Website)Maslow’s HierarchyPrincipal letter to parents exampleOne example, Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. ROPES Program
Adventure based program and more information at www.pa.org
Parental Involvement is Preventative
Children want adults involved in their lives (letter example)
Many tragedies can be preventedExamples of questionable parental practicesWhere is the “Full Value Meal”?Parenting more challenging as children are
exposed to more violence and more advanced technology than ever before
There is something dangerous and largely unguarded in almost every home!
Definition of BullyingBullying occurs when a person is exposed
repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one or more persons (Olweus).
It is victimization not conflict!
Definition of BullyingRepetitiveHumiliatingPhysical and/or verbalInvolves power
Questions for AudienceWhat should adults at school do if they see
bullying? CA. case featured on Good Morning America 1/20/10
How do we best support the bullying victimWhat should a parent do if their child is
engaging in bullying behavior?How can a parent best support their child
when they are the victim of bullying?What constitutes an effective school bullying
prevention program?
Consequences of BullyingDislike and avoidance of school.Difficulty concentrating on school tasks.Grades suffer.The damaging feelings of self-worth that
results from bullying makes it impossible for the victims to reach their academic and social potential.
Consequences of BullyingEmotional distressDepressionLonelinessLowered self-esteemSuicidal ideation and attemptsVictimization during the middle school years
predicts depression and lower-self esteem 10 years after bullying has ended.
Bullying FactsA majority of school shooters report being
bullied.School shooters were twice as likely as
same age peers to have been bullied.
Quotes From School Shooter, Evan Ramsey
“I got stuff thrown at me. I got spit on. I got beat up. Sometimes I fought back but I was not good at fighting.”
“After a while the principal told me to just start ignoring everybody. But then you can’t take it anymore.”
“I felt a sense of power with a gun. It was the only way to get rid of anger.”
“I would have a different life if I hadn’t been treated like that.”
Final Diary Pages of 13 year old Shooter, Vijay Singh
““I shall remember forever and will never forget
Monday: my money was takenTuesday: names calledWednesday: my uniform tornThursday: my body pouring with bloodFriday: it endedSaturday: freedom...”
Bullying FactsBullied children are more likely to be
anxious or depressed and more likely to take their own lives.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds and the fourth for those aged 10 to 14.
2009 YRBSS ResultsSurveyed 15,000 H.S students and in the
last year26.1 % reported being sad or hopeless10.9% made a suicide plan6.3% made an attempt
Schools and Suicide PreventionIt is everyone’s responsibility and the vast
majority of suicides can be preventedKnow the warning signs and the
importance of working with a team to get help for a suicidal student
Separate facts from misperceptions about suicide
Link with community resources and agencies
Schools and Suicide PreventionProvide annual training for school staff on the
warning signs and the importance of not keeping a secret about suicidal behavior
Provide presentations for parents on safeguarding their children and the warning signs of suicide
Investigate depression screening programsCreate a prevention task force and involve the
communityDesignate/develop a suicide prevention expert
American Association of Suicidology: School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program
Designed for support and mental health professionals
Become your school/community authorityKnow best/evidence based practicesReading list and sample exam providedIncludes membership and ongoing support
For more information, please visit www.suicidology.org
GLBT IssuesHigher rates for youth not due to identity
but unique complications “nothing inherently suicidal about same sex orientation”
Research has spotlighted greater risk of suicide compared to peers
External factors: conflict, harassment, being bullied, abuse, rejection, lack of support
Advocacy for GLBT population in school often met with resistance
Jason 15, Utah Teen: NY Times Quote 1/2/11
“When word spread at school that I came out and was gay, I was pushed against lockers and spit on in the hallway. A 9th grade gym teacher wanted to bar me from class and a girl sent me a note saying I had to repent and let Jesus into my heart.”
Helena, Montana School District
Controversial K-12 proposed curriculum regarding sexuality and tolerance.
1st grade students: “Human beings can love people of the same gender.”
5th grade students: “Sexual intercourse can involve vaginal, oral or anal penetration.”
Gave rise to strong resistance and wording was eventually modified.
Most states have policies against harassment; however, only about 10 states have specific anti-bullying policies related to sexual orientation.
Source: Eckholm, E. (November, 6, 2010).“In Efforts to End Bullying, Some See Agenda.” The
New York Times.
GLSENGay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
(GLSEN)
“Through research-based interventions, GLSEN provides resources and support for schools to implement effective and age-appropriate anti- bullying programs to improve school climate for
all students” (Cited from GLSEN website).
For more information, please visit www.glsen.org
Safe Zone
“Safe Zone is a program designed to identify people in Tallahassee, FL who consider themselves to be open to and knowledgeable about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. Members display a Safe Zone symbol to demonstrate their acceptance of
LGBT individuals” (Cited from Safe Zone Website).
For more information, please visit safezone.fsu.edu/
Why Students Bully
To gain power over others.
To get a thrill.To act out
problems at home.
To copy someone who they think is “cool.”
To join in with the crowd.
To gain attention and popularity.
Characteristics of Bullies
Both boys and girls bully.
Bullies have a strong need to dominate others.
They enjoy the control over victims.
Bullies often have a positive and unrealistic self-concept.
Bullies are not always loners.
Bullies may have a small group of friends who admire their behavior.
Characteristics of Bullies
Bullies come in all sizes, shapes and abilities.
They do not need to be larger to dominate their victims.
They often feel justified in their actions.
They lack guilt and remorse.
They like gaining material possessions.
A bully often gets a thrill from exerting power.
Characteristics of BulliesThey often think in They often think in
unrealistic ways.unrealistic ways.Olweus found that Olweus found that
children identified as children identified as a bully at age 8 were a bully at age 8 were six times more likely six times more likely to be convicted of a to be convicted of a crime by age 24.crime by age 24.
Bullies were five Bullies were five times more likely times more likely to end up with a to end up with a criminal record by criminal record by age 30.age 30.
Bullies tend to be Bullies tend to be at least average at least average academically or academically or only slightly below.only slightly below.
Gender Differences in Bullying
Boys tend to use direct bullying.
Boys tend to use physical aggression.
Boys call their behavior bullying more often than girls.
Boys tend to be older than their targets.
Girls tend to use social alienation or spreading rumors.
Girls are more likely to be bullied by a group.
Girls are more likely to involve both boys and girls in victimizing.
Bully Thinking Errors
“Everything should always go my way.”
“I do not care if I hurt others.”
“Success should come easily. I will quit if things don’t work.”
“I do not need to follow rules.”
“Lying will get you out of trouble.”
“I should not have to do boring things.”
“Most problems are not my fault.”
“Most students my age are always pleasing adults and are boring.”
How Can School Staff Help a Student who is Bullying Others?
Let them know consequences are inevitable, consistent, and non-hostile and escalate in severity
Hold them accountable and confront the excuses they make for their behavior
Let them know that school staff will be watching for further bullying behavior
Assess possible reasons for their behavior
How Can School Staff Help a Student Who is Bullying Others?
Contact and conference with their parentsConsider referral for mental health
treatmentHelp them to develop empathy for othersEncourage involvement in prosocial
activities Reward them for appropriate behavior
towards others
What Works With Bullies
Assertion rather than aggression is recommended.
Bullies need to be confronted by a group of peers who support the target and will not tolerate bullying.
Bullies need to be taught specific skills and correct their errors in thinking about life.
Bullies can be taught responsible behavior at school.
What Works With BulliesUse a no-
nonsense style.Do not have a
long discussion.Re-channel
power.
Identify the victim’s feelings.
Build empathy for the victim.
Set the culture of the school.
BullyingPhilosophical
issues/acceptanceBystander/Witness
issueImportance of school-
wide approachLegislation in 45
states to date
Why Don’t Bystanders Get Involved?Not sure of what to do.They are afraid of retaliation.They are afraid that they will become
ostracized by their existing friends or social group.
They are concerned they might do the wrong thing and make the situation worse.
They think adults won’t help.“It is the bystanders that must have the
courage to say something and step forward to stop bullying” Bill Modzeleski U.S.D.O.E.
Why Don’t Students Tell Adults About Violent Threats?
The “Conspiracy of Silence”!
Why Victims Don’t TellThey are ashamed of being bullied.They are justifiably afraid of retaliation.They don’t think anyone can help them—
the bully is too powerful.They believe the lie that bullying is just a
part of growing up.They see adults ignoring the bullying.They believe it is not acceptable to “rat’
on a peer.
What Should School Staff Do if They Hear or See Bullying?
Take immediate action and stand between bully and the victim
Support the victim but without questioning them in front of others
Provide additional support for the victim privately
Let all students know that bullying behavior is not acceptable and include bystanders in the conversation about how to intervene next time
Provide immediate consequences for the bully or refer them to the appropriate personnel
What Should School Staff Do if They Hear or See Bullying?
Do not require students to meet and work things out
Share information with other staff about the incident
Let the bully know that you and other staff will be watching them closely
Let the victim know the next steps that will be taken and urge them to report any further incidents
Key Points for SchoolsThe attitude of school staff are the key to
reducing bullying.Importance of building relationships.It is not about the bully! It is about the
school climate!
School Program Emphasis
Converts a silent majority of students into a caring majority who do not tolerate bullying.
Students are taught to stand up to the bullies with the promise of adult support.
Emphasizes strength in numbers.
Through discussion and role plays students are taught how to support each other.
They practice caring behaviors.
School Program Emphasis
Acts of kindness are celebrated.
Students let adults know when bullying occurs and adults are taught how to intervene.
A clear message is presented that bullying is not tolerated and caring is valued.
What To AvoidShort term prevention program with a piece
meal approachZero Tolerance Programs and 3 strikes you
are out programsProviding conflict resolution or peer
mediation to reduce bullying
Teacher and Staff Training
Distinguishing normal peer conflict from bully-victim problems.
Characteristics of bullies and victims.
The serious nature of bullying and the need for adults to help.
The need for staff cohesion on supporting a zero tolerance for bullying policy.
Awareness of one’s own style in handling conflict.
Teacher and Staff Training
Effective strategies and disciplinary approaches for handling bullies.
Effective strategies to support targets.
Developing a caring majority to change the school climate.
Reinforcing caring behaviors within the school.
Teaching bully-proofing curriculums.
Reduce Bullying….
Turn the “silent majority” into a “caring majority.”
School Safety Examples
Create task force and include students
Use student safety/bullying prevention pledges
Floor plan exerciseSurvey students
Safety is an inside job that most of all
involves a commitment from the student body!
Student Involvement and Commitment is the Key
Student survey input needed to determine the extent of the problem but surveys often are met with resistance
Hold student meetings and create task forcesTrain all students and then gain a
commitment through pledgesUtilizing the arts through drama and music to
create awareness and prevention programsCreating a means for anonymous reporting
What if My Child is Bullying Others?
Take it seriously and let them know it will not be tolerated
Develop clear and consistent rules for your child’s behavior
Spend time with them and increase your supervision
Build on their strengthsShare information with adults and get help
What if My Child is Being Bullied?
Take it seriously and do not ignore it or blame your childListen carefully and learn as much as you can about the
bullying incidentsEmpathize and let them know the bullying is wrongAsk your child what will helpDo not encourage physical retaliationStep back and consider your emotions and options
carefully Do not contact the parents of the bully as that may
make the situation worse
Who Should I Contact if My Child is Being Bullied at School?
Contact your child’s teacher as bullying often does not stop without adult interventions
Ask the teacher to alert other school staff to the problem
If you are not comfortable with the teacher’s response make an appointment with the principal
Commit to making the bullying stop and to talking regularly with your child and the school staff
How Can My Child Become More Resistant to Bullying?
Help develop their talents and positive attributes and areas/activities where they are successful—fine their niche!
Encourage your child to build friendships Teach your child safety strategies and how to seek
adult helpMake sure your home is a safe and loving
environment where they feel shelteredBe alert for signs of cyber bullyingMaintain open communication with your child and
create times when your child will truly talk to you
Protective FactorsSource: World Health Association
Family cohesion and stabilityCoping and problem solving skillsPositive self worth and impulse controlPositive connections to school and
extracurricular participationSuccessful academically
Good relationships with other youthSeeks adult help when needed Lack of access to suicidal meansAccess to mental health care Religiosity
Protective Factors
Evidenced Based ProgramsOlewus Bullying Prevention ProgramSecond StepSteps To Respect
Best Practices: Final ThoughtsHold parent meetings and provide trainingSchool wide program where all staff engage
and cooperate towards common goalIncrease staff supervision in areas where
bullying occurs the mostTake immediate action to stop bullying when
it occursProvide consequences for bulliesProvide support for victims
Federal Anti-bullying ProgramTake A Stand Lend A Hand: Stop Bullying www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.aspwww.bullyinginfo.org
