Bullen's Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

VALUABLE INTERNET LINKS

• Olweus Program
• Stop Bullying Now Website

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WHAT IS BULLYING?

A student is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly, and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons. Negative actions are when a person intentionally inflicts injury or discomfortg upon another. (Olweus)

Negative actions include but are not limited to the following:

• Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, tripping, spitting, invasion of personal space, damage of property.
• Verbal bullying such as threatening, taunting, teasing, passing on rumors, gossiping and name calling (racial, ethnic, religious, gender or sexual) including that which is based upon an individual's circumstances.
• Visual bullying such as notes, pictures, graffiti, gestures, body postures, facial movements.
• Other bullying such as stealing, demanding money or property, stalking, approaching victims or witnesses, including but not limited to instigating.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT BULLYING IN OUR BOBCAT ENVIRONMENT!

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HOW DO I REPORT A BULLYING INCIDENT?

Students, parents and staff at John Bullen Middle School want a safe school community. We can stop bullying if we know there is a problem.

The most important action a student can take to stop bullying is to tell!

WAYS TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH BULLYING:

• Tell any staff who is near the situation.
• Tell your house or elective teacher, a secretary, an educational assistant, a cafeteria staff member or some other adult in the building, immediately.
• Write down the information (or fill out a problem report) including what you saw, and/or heard, who was bullying, and anyone else who may have seen the incident. Give the report to someone from the Bullen staff.
• Tell an adult at home; they can call and tell us, too!

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I REPORT BULLYING?

When you make a report about bullying, someone at school will follow up on your information even though you probably won't see that happen. Sometimes a teacher will talk to the student directly. That might happen right away or it might happen later when the teacher can talk with them privately. Sometimes you or the teacher will report the problem to Student Services where the Counselor, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal or Principal will talk to the student who has been bullying.

Speaking with the person(s) who are bullying or his/her parent(s) first will help them understand that bullying is wrong. All people make mistakes and need a chance to learn from them. If bullying continues, however, the consequences will become more severe each time. That is why it is important that you keep telling if the problem does not go away.

Sometimes students might feel like "nothing happened" after they reported an incident. Check with the person that you reported the incident to if you are ever concerned. They might not be able to tell you exactly what happened but they can give you some information as to how the situation was handled.

Everyone at our school has the right to make a confidential report.

Confidential means that your name will not be given to others.

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WHAT CAN BYSTANDERS DO?

STUDENTS HAVE THE POWER TO HELP OUR SCHOOL BE A SAFER PLACE!

It is common for students to see bullying at some point during their school years. It is also common that students do not always know how to help. There are several actions bystanders can take to help stop bullying in school.

1. Report and get help from an adult.
2. Tell the person "Stop" or "Hey, don't do that!" or "Quit pushing/shoving/calling names!"
3. Don't laugh, cheer or do anything to encourage the person who is bullying.
4. Report verbal or cyber threats.

OUR SCHOOL'S MOST POWERFUL RESOURCE IN REDUCING BULLYING

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BULLEN'S BULLYING RULES

• WE DON'T BULLY OTHERS.
• WE HELP STUDENTS WHO ARE BEING BULLIED.
• WE INCLUDE STUDENTS WHO ARE EASILY LEFT OUT
• WHEN WE KNOW SOMEONE IS BEING BULLIED, WE TELL AN ADULT AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME. (Olweus)

  BULLEN'S EXPECTATIONS

1. Be in your assigned area ready to work when the bell rings.
2. Bring pencils, paper, books and all needed materials.
3. Keep hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.
4. No cussing, rude gestures, cruel teasing, or put-downs.
5. Follow staff directions. (Day)