|
National Bully Prevention Month
Coming on the heals of last month's Cyberbullying presentation, October is the month to shed a light on the power of being an active positive participant in the quest to rid our world of the bully.
Harassment can take different shapes from physical and verbal attacks to the use of the Internet to spread cruel rumors. National news has spotlighted the negative impact of harassment on students. National studies suggest as many as 4 in 10 kids are targeted by bullies online. This month we wish to help raise awareness and to give our students tools to combat harassment. The Badger community is committed to ensuring a safe, civil, and vibrant learning environment for all students.
Tips for students from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center online bullying:
- The Internet counts. If it is illegal in person, it’s illegal online.
- Yes, others can see what you are doing. If you don’t want your parents, boss, teacher to see it, then don’t put it on line. Employers do use the Internet to check out perspective employees. You don’t want something you post at 16 to be the information that prevents a job interview at 20. “Private” profiles are absolutely not private.
- Don’t let emotions rule you’re typing. If you’re upset or mad, log off for a while. Never respond to a message or a posting if you are upset or mad. Even if you were originally the victim, if you take revenge, you could be the one who gets into trouble.
- If someone bullies you online never respond. Save the message. Tell an adult. If physical threats or violence are part of the message, tell the police. This is not being a “nark” it is helping to ensure that you are safe and that the bully ends the behavior before he/she is in a situation with consequences that impact the rest of his/her life.
- Harassing behavior can end in legal actions.
The following gives suggestions for what students can do when bullying occurs – written for students being bullied, students who witness bullying and the bullies themselves.
If you are being bullied
reach out to an adult, be cool in the moment, and work to change the school community. Realize that this does not have to continue.
If you witness bullying
interrupt It, get help.
If you are the bully
make a commitment to change, focus on empathy and responsibility, and change your behavior.
Drawn from
Stop Bullying Now
,
an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
|
