Anita M. Townsley

Bullying can be found in every school in the world. At our school we take the position that bullying in any form, is not a “normal” part of growing up – it is a very serious matter. The effects on students’ health and learning are far-reaching.

Bullying is. . .

When a person or group of people hurts, embarrasses, or frightens another person on purpose. It can consist of a single interaction or repeated offenses. The goal of bullying behavior is to have power over people.

Some examples of bullying might be:

*hitting, pushing, pinching, biting

*mean phone calls, notes or e-mails

*calling people names

*talking behind others back

*stealing or breaking someone’s things

*spreading rumors

*rude gestures or looks

*making threats

*leaving people out

*sexual harassment

*telling lies about people

*teasing or embarrassing others

*intimidation

Information to share when your child is a Bystander

Bullying involves not only bullies and victims but also bystanders. Children who witness bullying but don’t say anything to stop it contribute to the problem. Together with the school personnel, make it clear that we want every student to do the following when others are bullied.

*Refuse to join in.

*If possible, stand up for the bullied child. Tell the bully, “Stop!”

*Report all bullying to a teacher or school official. It’s not tattling.

*Never fight the bully. It is not safe and it will make the bullying problem worse, not better.

Hearing about Bullying – But Not Seeing It:

This is a dilemma for teachers. Most of the time students who bully others do it when adults are not around. Students who bully others are very skilled at that. When teachers do not actually witness a bullying event, which is true much of the time., school personnel have a responsibility to inform parents about the situations that students are reporting regarding the bullying incident. This may involve asking questions and getting both sides of a story to find the truth.

At South Tama Schools we will . . .

*closely observe the reported bully behavior

*talk to students who have witnessed the bullying

*talk to other school personnel who have interactions with the students involved

*we will follow our school bullying and harassment procedures to keep our school bully-free

Creating a Bully Free School

During classroom guidance lessons, students are practicing and learning strategies to keep our school a safe learning environment for everyone. It is our hope and belief that we all want a safe, peaceful place for your child to learn, work and enjoy school. Your support in making that happen for our students is needed and appreciated.