What is Bullying and What Do We Do About It?

This week in 7th grade classroom guidance Mrs. Zell and Dr. Deane talked with the students about bullying.  Bullying is something we hear and read a lot about, but the term is used very loosely.  What exactly is bullying and what steps do we take as a middle school to address the issue once we are made aware?

Bullying Defined

At its essence bullying is when one or more people repeatedly harm, harass, intimidate, or exclude others. Bullying is also one-sided.

 Bullying Accusation Process

1.     Once a report of bullying has been made, the counselors are asked to speak with the students involved to determine if bullying is truly taking place.  In instances where charges of bullying are the result of a two-sided disagreement, mediation is done and conflict management strategies are discussed.

2.     If bullying is happening, the counselors review the consequences of what will happen if the problem continues in an effort to change behavior.  Four out of five times this resolves the situation.  Counselors also periodically check in with the student being bullied to make sure the problem is resolved.  Records are kept to see repeat offenders and patterns of behavior.

3.     If the bully continues, the appropriate grade level administrator is involved.  Administrators determine the appropriate consequence based on the severity of offense, previous behaviors, and actions taken up to this point.

Bullying Consequences

1. In-School Suspension
2. Out of School Suspension
3. Expulsion

Bullying Bystander Strategies

1.     Distract the person who is teasing or bullying someone else.

2.     Support the person who is being teased or bullied privately.

3.     Discourage teasing or bullying behavior by not joining in.

4.     Support the person who is being teased or bullied openly.

5.     Report bullying behavior to an adult for help and support.