Syracuse University EDU 366 Session 1: Bullying Prevention PDF

DASA & Bullying Prevention Ja Youn Kwon [email protected] The New York State Dignity For All Students Act The Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act) is a New York State law that aims to provide all public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment fre...

DASA & Bullying Prevention Ja Youn Kwon [email protected] The New York State Dignity For All Students Act The Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act) is a New York State law that aims to provide all public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, taunting, or intimidation. It prohibits harassment and bullying by employees or students on school property or at school functions based on a person's actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. The Act took effect on July 1, 2012 and was later amended to include cyberbullying. Syracuse University 2 Key Provisions of the Dignity Act Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment – The Act explicitly prohibits discrimination and harassment of students by employees or other students on school property or at school functions. Inclusion in Code of Conduct – Schools must include an age-appropriate version of the state policy in their Code of Conduct. Reporting Requirements – The Act establishes reporting requirements for incidents of discrimination and harassment. Dignity Act Coordinator – Each school must designate at least one staff member as the Dignity Act Coordinator to handle human relations issues. Syracuse University 3 Addressing Specific Student Populations Research shows students with disabilities are at increased Students with risk of being bullied. Schools must be especially attentive to Disabilities their welfare and safety, providing appropriate accommodations and support. LGBTQ youth face higher rates of harassment and bullying. Schools should create a supportive environment through LGBTQ Students inclusive policies, safe spaces, and education on LGBTQ issues. These students may face cultural misunderstandings and Immigrant and language barriers. Schools should provide cultural Refugee Students competency training and language support to promote inclusion. Syracuse University 4 Creating an Inclusive School Climate Assess Current Climate Evaluate the existing school environment, including student and staff perceptions, incident data, and policies. Develop Action Plan Create a comprehensive plan to address areas of concern and promote a positive school culture. Implement Strategies Put the plan into action through training, curriculum changes, and new policies and procedures. Monitor and Adjust Continuously evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure ongoing improvement. Syracuse University 5 Role of School Administrators Set the Tone – Superintendents and principals must establish a culture of respect and responsibility for the entire school community. Develop Policies – Create and implement comprehensive policies and procedures to prevent and address harassment and bullying. Ensure Compliance – Oversee proper implementation of the Dignity Act, including training, reporting, and investigation of incidents. Foster Collaboration – Work with staff, students, families, and community partners to create a positive school climate. Syracuse University 6 The Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC) Appointment Each school must designate at least one staff member as the DAC, approved by the board of education. Training DACs must receive thorough training in human relations, harassment prevention, and intervention strategies. Responsibilities DACs handle human relations issues, coordinate responses to incidents, and promote a positive school climate. Accessibility Contact information for DACs must be widely shared with the school community to ensure easy access. Syracuse University 7 Family and Parent Engagement Open Communication – Establish multiple channels for ongoing dialogue with families about school climate and safety. Parent Education – Provide workshops and resources to help parents understand and support the Dignity Act's goals. Collaborative Problem-Solving – Involve parents in developing and implementing strategies to address harassment and bullying. Inclusive Outreach – Ensure communication and engagement efforts are accessible to all families, regardless of language or cultural background. Syracuse University 8 Training for School Personnel Initial Training – Provide comprehensive training on the Dignity Act for all school personnel. Ongoing Professional Development – Offer regular updates and advanced training on topics related to school climate and student safety. Specialized Roles – Provide additional training for staff with specific responsibilities, such as Dignity Act Coordinators. Evaluation – Assess the effectiveness of training programs and adjust based on emerging needs and best practices. Syracuse University 9 Collaboration with Community Partners Local Organizations – Partner with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students. Mental Health Providers – Collaborate with mental health professionals to support students' social and emotional well-being. Law Enforcement – Establish relationships with local law enforcement to address serious incidents and ensure school safety. Cultural Organizations – Work with cultural groups to promote understanding and respect for diversity within the school community. Syracuse University 10 Syracuse University 11 Syracuse University 12 Syracuse University 13 Syracuse University 14 Syracuse University 15 Syracuse University 16 Syracuse University 17 What We Know About Bullying Research shows that bullying can be a sign of other serious antisocial or violent behavior. Children and youth who frequently bully their peers are more likely than others to get into frequent fights, be injured in a fight, vandalize or steal property, drink alcohol, smoke, be truant from school, drop out of school, and carry a weapon. Bullying also has an impact on other students at school who are bystanders to bullying. Bullying creates a climate of fear and disrespect in schools and has a negative impact on student learning. Syracuse University 18 Syracuse University 19 Syracuse University 20 Syracuse University 21 Syracuse University 22 Syracuse University 23 Syracuse University 24 Syracuse University 25 Syracuse University 26 Syracuse University 27 Syracuse University 28 Syracuse University 29 Syracuse University 30 Syracuse University 31 Syracuse University 32 Syracuse University 33 Syracuse University 34 Syracuse University 35 Syracuse University 36 Syracuse University 37 Syracuse University 38 Syracuse University 39 Syracuse University 40 Syracuse University 41 Syracuse University 42 Syracuse University 43 Syracuse University 44 Syracuse University 45 Syracuse University 46 Syracuse University 47 Syracuse University 48 Syracuse University 49 Syracuse University 50 Syracuse University 51 Syracuse University 52 Syracuse University 53 Syracuse University 54 Syracuse University 55 How to deal with bullying? Syracuse University 56 Syracuse University 57 Syracuse University 58 Syracuse University 59 Syracuse University 60 Best Practices to prevent bullying? Syracuse University 61 Syracuse University 62 Syracuse University 63 Syracuse University 64 Syracuse University 65 Syracuse University 66 Syracuse University 67 Syracuse University 68 Syracuse University 69 Syracuse University 70 Syracuse University 71 Syracuse University 72 Syracuse University 73 Syracuse University 74 Syracuse University 75 CYBER BULLYING Cyber bullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. Anonymity, the identity of perpetrator is often hidden from the victim. Typically by sending messages of an intimating or threatening nature. – Text message bullying – Picture/video-clip bullying via mobile phone cameras – Email bullying – Chat room bullying – Bullying via websites Syracuse University 76 Effects of Cyber Bullying Teens report that in 38% of the cases the cyberbully is someone they don`t know. Unique effects over and above “real world bullying.” Causes significant emotional and psychological distress. Feel Vulnerable and powerless. Feel dissatisfied with who they are. Syracuse University 77 Effects of Traditional Bullying Psychological implication. Develop problems with depression, anxiety, and low self- esteem. Bullying may affect the academic work of bullied children. Anxiety, depression, and other serious stress and emotional related disorders. Syracuse University 78 Some signs that a student may be a victim of Traditional Bullying Having damaged clothing, books, or possessions Trying to take a weapon to school. Complaining of frequently not feeling well. Often “losing” things that they take to school. Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares Talking about suicide or violence against others. Syracuse University 79 Some signs that a student may be a victim of Cyber Bullying Appears nervous when receiving a text, instant message, or email. Unwillingness to share information about online activity. Abruptly shutting off or walking away from the computer mid-use. Unexplained anger or depression, especially after going online. Unexplained weight loss or gain. Deleting accounts, avoidance etc. Syracuse University 80 Resemblances… TRADITIONAL & CYBER BULLYING Aggressiveness Power imbalance Repetitiveness Syracuse University 81 Differences… TRADITIONAL BULLYING CYBER BULLYING Face to Face Anonymous Schoolyard Occurs off school property During the school day All day, every day Can find a safer place to escape No safe place-hard to escape Larger, possibly global audience Smaller audience Syracuse University 82 What we need to teach? Do`s Don`t Talk to an adult Think it is your fault Stand up to the bully Keep it to yourself Stand calm and walk away Fight back Join a group or club Hurt yourself Syracuse University 83 Here are some reports/survey about bullying Syracuse University 84 Syracuse University 85 And more… Nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online. 1 in 4 has had it happen more than once. 70% of students report seeing frequent bullying online. Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most common medium for cyber bullying. 68% of teens agree that cyber bullying is a serious problem. 81% of young people think bullying online is easier to get away with than bullying in person. 90% of teens who have seen social-media bullying say they have ignored it. 84% have seen others tell cyber bullies to stop. Only 1 in 10 victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse. Girls are about twice as likely as boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber bullying. About 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online. More than 4 out 10 say it has happened more than once. About 75% have visited a website bashing another student. Bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider committing suicide. Syracuse University 86 Is Cyber Bullying more harmful than Traditional Bullying??? Syracuse University 87 Internet Safety and Cyberbullying Prevention Education – Provide comprehensive internet safety education to students, including responsible online behavior and cyberbullying prevention. Policies – Develop and enforce clear policies on acceptable use of technology and consequences for cyberbullying. Monitoring – Implement appropriate measures to monitor online activity on school networks and devices. Syracuse University 88 How to deal with cyberbullying? Syracuse University 89 Next Class After this class Before the next class Syracuse University 90