At Kohala Middle School in addition to your child’s physical safety we take seriously their social and emotional well being. As part of our guidance initiatives we conduct anti-bullying activities and discussions with students on a regular basis as part of our efforts to increase awareness of what bullying behavior is, and what students can do if they witness or are a target of bullying. We would also like to share this information with parents and guardians, and urge you review it with your child allowing it to act as an opener to having a frank discussion about their experiences, thoughts, and feelings regarding bullying. If as a result of your discussion with your child you have concerns or believe there is information regarding bullying behavior of students that the school needs to know about we urge you to contact the School Counselor, Ms. Lauren Canton at 889-7119 extension 230.
Bullying Fact Sheet
- 70% of students nationwide report being bullied in school, 15% on a regular basis
- Most physical bullying occurs among boys
- Most verbal bullying and shunning is caused by girls
- Bystanders are present in 70% of bullying incidents
- The emotional abuse of name-calling can lead to depression and even suicide
DEFINITIONS:
Bullying:
Unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged peers that often takes place repeatedly over time or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Generally, bullying occurs when the perpetrator has a real or perceived power imbalance over the victim. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious lasting problems (www.stopbullying.gov).
Peer Conflict:
A mutual disagreement between peers or among groups of peers. It is considered a conflict between people of equal or similar power; friends. It occurs occasionally and is an unplanned situation where the offender(s) are not seeking power or attention. Peer mediation may be appropriate for these situations.
TYPES OF BULLYING:
PHYSICAL AGGRESSION: Pushing, kicking, tripping, any unwanted touch, stealing, physical acts that are demeaning/humiliating (example: blocking a doorway), physical violence, threatening with weapon.
VERBAL AGGRESSION: Mocking; name calling, teasing about clothes/things, teasing about appearance, race, religion, sexual orientation, verbal threats of aggression against things/possessions, verbal threats of violence or bodily harm.
SOCIAL ALIENATION: Gossiping, spreading rumors, public humiliation, malicious exclusion (keeping someone from being part of a group), threatening with isolation from total peer group.
INTIMIDATION: Threatening to reveal personal information, playing a dirty trick, taking possessions, extortion (taking something, especially money, by force or threat), coercion (forcing, arm twisting, pressuring), threats against family, friends or pets.
CYBERBULLYING: Bullying also can happen online or electronically. Cyberbullying is when children or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include: sending mean text, email, or instant messages, posting nasty pictures or messages about others on social media in blogs or websites, making a private conversation public by taking a screenshot and sharing publicly, using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE BULLIED
- Breaking the silence is a very important part in fighting back against bullying
- Tell an adult you trust and discuss what you would like to happen
- Remain calm do not show you are upset
- Have a sense of humor.
- Try to avoid the person who is doing the bullying.
- Stay with a friend that is supportive during times when a bully may be present
- If in danger RUN!
WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS BULLYING
- Do something. If you do nothing you are telling the person who bullied you agree with their bad behavior
- Stop it if you can without putting anyone in danger (Sometimes just yelling “Stop It” is all that is needed)
- Go get help, send for help, or call for help if it does not stop (If you are afraid, go quietly and get help)
- Be a friend to the person who was bullied
- Be safe! If it is safe, remove the person who was bullied to an area away from the person who bullied and encourage them to tell an adult that can be trusted
- Offer to go with the person who was bullied to report the incident
- Encourage the person who was bullied not to retaliate (it is likely this behavior will make the situation worse or the wrong person will get in trouble)
- Remind the person who was bullied that it's not their fault
Featured photo by Gabriella Boyle, Senior Project, Kohala High School
