“Bullying” means any unwanted, aggressive behavior committed in person or by electronic communication directed toward a student or group of students that results in or is reasonably perceived as being done with the intent to cause negative educational or physical results for the targeted individual or group, and is communicated in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student, and that is repeated or is highly likely to be repeated. 70 Okl. St. § 24-100.3 (2022)
Recognizing Bullying
Signs in Students Being Bullied:
Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, damaged belongings, or missing items.
Emotional Signs: Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, or withdrawal from friends and activities.
Academic Signs: A drop in grades, loss of interest in school, or frequent absences.
Social Signs: Avoiding social situations, a sudden loss of friends, or reluctance to go to school.
Signs in Students Who Bully:
Aggressive Behavior: Engaging in physical or verbal fights, frequent disciplinary issues.
Dominance: A need to control others or situations, lack of empathy, or concern for others' feelings.
Possessions: Unexplained new belongings or money, which could be taken from others.
Peer Relationships: Associating with others who bully or an increase in popularity due to intimidation.
Preventing Bullying
For Parents:
Open Communication: Regularly talk with your child about their day, friendships, and any concerns they may have. Encourage them to share their experiences at school.
Teach Empathy and Respect: Model and reinforce the importance of treating others with kindness, understanding, and respect.
Set Clear Expectations: Establish and communicate expectations about how to treat others and what behaviors are unacceptable.
Encourage Positive Friendships: Help your child build and maintain healthy friendships that are supportive and respectful.
For Students:
Stand Up, Don't Stand By: If you see someone being bullied, offer support by standing with them or reporting the incident to an adult. Silence can allow bullying to continue.
Include Others: Be inclusive and friendly to all students, especially those who may be isolated or different.
Use Social Media Responsibly: Be mindful of what you share online and avoid participating in or spreading harmful content. Report any cyberbullying you witness.
Know Your Support System: Identify trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or school counselors, whom you can talk to if you're being bullied or see bullying happening.
Addressing Bullying
For Parents:
Respond Calmly: If your child is being bullied, listen to them without judgment and assure them that it’s not their fault. Stay calm and gather all the details before taking action.
Work with the School: Contact your child’s teacher, school counselor, or principal to report the bullying. Collaborate with them to develop a plan to address the situation.
Support Your Child: Reassure your child that they are not alone and that you will work together to stop the bullying. Provide them with strategies to cope and respond effectively.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If the bullying has affected your child’s mental health, consider seeking help from a counselor or therapist.
For Students:
Tell an Adult: Don’t keep bullying a secret. Talk to a trusted adult at school or at home who can help you address the issue.
Stay Safe: Avoid situations where bullying occurs and try to stay close to friends who can support you.
Be Assertive: If it's safe to do so, calmly tell the bully to stop. Using a strong and confident voice can sometimes deter further bullying.
Document Incidents: Keep a record of the bullying incidents, including what happened, when, and who was involved. This can be helpful when reporting the behavior to authorities.
Bullying is a serious issue that requires awareness, prevention, and prompt action. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps, parents and students can work together to create a safer, more respectful school environment. #EndBullying #SafeSchools #StopBullying
For additional resources go to https://sde.ok.gov/prevention-resources-and-links#abuse