bullying
from the Framingham Public Schools
Framingham Public School policy prohibiting bullying – www.framingham.k12.ma.us/Page/3026
Framingham Middle and High School Anti-Bullying Info – https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/Page/3978
Links below currently are not working. Trying to find them since their website was updated.
Bullying Prevention can be found at http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/bullying_prevention.cfm
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan:
Secondary Level Bullying Prevention Brochure:
Elementary Level Bullying Prevention Brochure:
from Massachusetts Avocates for Children
MA Law Relative to Bullying in Schools
MA Law Relative to School Bullying Prevention Plans
MA Notification of Bullying or Retaliation Regulations
general resources
Family Pizza Dinner and Safety Night with the Framingham Police Department sponsored by the Framingham Police Association presented by Officer Sean Riley Cyber Bullying and Safety
A Parent’s Guide to Bullying and additional info on bullying from Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Targeted Taunted and Tormented: The Bulling of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder booklet
Bullying @ NICHCY – http://nichcy.org/schoolage/behavior/bullying
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Resources @ Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – http://www.doe.mass.edu/bullying/
NetSmartz – http://www.netsmartz.org/ – Teaches about Internet Safety
National Center for Bullying Awareness – www.pacer.org/bullying/index.asp – has activities and many resources for discussing bullying in the classroom.
Internet Safety Websites – from the Framingham Public Schools website – http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/district_internetsafety.cfm
http://www.whoishostingthis.com/resources/cyberbullying-resources/ – Cyber Bullying Resources
resources for parents
The IEP and Bullying –http://www.pacer.org/publications/bullypdf/BP-4.pdf
Bullying: What Parents Can Do About It – Includes resources and books about bullying. http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/ui368.pdf
Talks about bullying/cyber bullying, sign of bullying, effects of bullying with information that speaks to kids. Has resources for kids, parents and teachers. http://www.qualityansweringservice.com/resources/call-stop-bullying
resources for teachers and administrators
The IEP and Bullying –http://www.pacer.org/publications/bullypdf/BP-4.pdf
Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center – https://webhost.bridgew.edu/marc/ – Their goal is to bring low – or no-cost services to K-12 education, law enforcement, and other professional caregivers for children in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Services include school programs, conferences, workshops, consultation, and research, in the area of bullying prevention, cyberbullying education and prevention, and violence prevention.
Bully Prevention in Positive Behavior Support – www.pbis.org/common/pbisresources/tools/pbsbullyprevention.pdf
Direct From the Field: A Guide to Bullying Prevention – www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/com-health/violence/bullying-prevent-guide.pdf
Preventing Classroom Bullying: What Teachers Can Do – www.jimwrightonline.com/pdfdocs/bully/bullyBooklet.pdf
Building a Classroom Community and Bully-Free Zone from PBS for grades 3-7, class project. www.pbs.org/parents/itsmylife/lesson_plans/bullies_classroom_community.html
Bullying Awareness Week has lesson plans websites resources, etc. www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/ready-bullying-awareness-week-20709.html
Middlesex Partnerships for Youth, Inc. – Each member district/school may select up to 5 free on site in service trainings, to be presented at the district/school site. Twelve in-service workshops are available this school year. middlesexpartnershipsforyouth.com/initiatives/
Deana’s Educational Theatre – www.deanaseducationaltheater.org – focuses on the issues of bullying and harassment and help empower bystanders and also offers student, professional, and community training on violence-related issues.
Rachel’s Challenge – www.rachelschallenge.org/ – Rachel’s Challenge is the only integrated K-12 program of its kind and is uniquely positioned to inspire, equip and empower students at every level to make a difference in their world.
Matthew’s Place – www.matthewsplace.com/– resources for coming out – for the LGBTQ community
Urban Improv – www.urbanimprov.org/ – Urban Improv uses structured theater improvisation to teach violence prevention, conflict resolution, decision-making, and impulse control.
resources for kids
A Teen’s Guide to Cyber Security – www.hotspotshield.com/resources/teens-guide-to-cyber-security/
Cyberbully 411 – http://www.cyberbully411.org/
Pacer Center Kids Against Bullying – http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/
Teens Against Bullying – http://www.pacerteensagainstbullying.org/
Bullying from PBS http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/friends/bullies/index.html – for children.
Talks about bullying/cyber bullying, sign of bullying, effects of bullying with information that speaks to kids. Has resources for kids, parents and teachers. http://www.qualityansweringservice.com/resources/call-stop-bullying
books
Asperger Syndrome and Bullying: Strategies and Solutions, by Nick Dubin and Michael Carley
Beyond Sticks and Stones: How to Help Your Child with a Disability Deal With Bullying, by the Pacer Center
Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats, by Nancy E. Willard
The Bully Free Classroom: Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8, by Allan Beane
The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander: From Preschool to High School
Bystander by James Preller, a fictional book about bullying
additional info on cyberbullying and safety on the internet
https://couponfollow.com/research/shop-safely-online – links to various articles
KidsHealth for Parents: Internet Safety
Special Feature: Internet Safety
12 Tips for Safe Social Networking
Securing Key Accounts and Devices: Social Media
Seven Steps to Stay Safe on Social Media
Ten Tips for Using Social Media Sites Safely
Cyberbullying and Cyberharassment
Massachusetts law regarding bullying
On May 3, 2010 Governor Patrick signed an Act Relative to Bullying in Schools. This new law prohibits bullying and retaliation in all public and private schools, and requires schools and school districts to take certain steps to addressing bullying incidents. Relevant sections of the law (M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O) are described below.
These requirements will be included in the school’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, which must be finalized no later than December 31, 2010. The Plan will include the requirements of the new law, and also information about the policies and procedures that the school will follow to prevent bullying and retaliation, or to respond to it when it occurs. In developing the Plan, Perkins School will consult with school and local community members, including staff, and parents and guardians.
Definitions
Aggressor is a student who engages in bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation.
Bullying is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; (ii) places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to his/her property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (iv) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Bullying includes cyber bullying.
Cyber bullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings.
Hostile environment is a situation in which bullying causes the school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the student’s education.
Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying.
Target is a student against whom bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation has been perpetrated.
Prohibition Against Bullying
Bullying is prohibited: (i) on school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is owed, leased, or used by a school district or school and (ii) at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the target, infringes on the rights of the target at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Nothing contained herein shall require schools to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs.
Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is prohibited.
Responsibility of Staff to Report Bullying
A member of a school staff is required to report immediately any instance of bullying or retaliation the staff member has witnessed or become aware of to the Education Director or to the school official identified in the Plan as responsible for receiving such reports or both. Please report any incidences of bullying or retaliation to Pat McCall –Secondary Assistant Education Director- at 617-972-7230 for Secondary students, Kevin Hartigan, Lower School Residential Supervisor- at 617-972-7628 for Lower School students, or Karen Hern, Deafblind Residential Supervisor- at 617-972-7513.
Staff includes, but is not limited to, an educator, administrator, counselor, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional,
Upon receipt of such a report, the Education Director or designee shall promptly conduct an investigation. If the Education Director or designee determines that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the Education Director or designee shall (i) notify the parents or guardians of the target, and to the extent consistent with state and federal law, notify them of the action taken to prevent any further acts of bullying or retaliation; (ii) notify the parents or guardians of a aggressor; (iii) take appropriate disciplinary action; and (iv) notify the local law enforcement agency if the Education Director or designee believes that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor.
Professional Development
Schools must provide ongoing professional development to increase the skills of all staff members to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying.
The content of such professional development is to include, but not be limited to: (i) developmentally appropriate strategies to prevent bullying incidents; (ii) developmentally appropriate strategies for immediate, effective interventions to stop bullying incidents; (iii) information regarding the complex interaction and power differential that can take place between and among an aggressor, target, and witnesses to the bullying; (iv) research findings on bullying, including information about specific categories of students who have been shown to be particularly at risk for bullying in the school environment; (v) information on the incidence and nature of cyber bullying; and (vi) Internet safety issues as they relate to cyber bullying.
Bullying and Harassment
from the Berkshire D.A.’s office
Every day in our schools and communities children are teased, threatened or tormented by bullies. 160,000 students skip school each day because they are being bullied or harassed. Research clearly indicates bullying behavior causes a harmful social, physical, psychological, and academic impact on targets, bystanders and bullies. Studies show on-going exposure to this type of behavior can have lasting consequences. Society as a whole has been impacted by bullying, including the bullies themselves. Through their own actions and the inactions of others, bullies learn that antisocial behavior and exerting control over others is acceptable and that it works. Bullying creates an atmosphere that is unhealthy for everyone, it interferes with learning and can lead to school violence. Together, we must change social norms concerning bullying and create a climate in our schools, neighborhoods and communities that promotes diversity and acceptance.
What is Bullying?
By definition, a student is bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other students…. [Bullying] is a negative action when someone intentionally inflicts, or attempts to inflict, injury or discomfort on another. (Olweus)
-
Physical — hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, hair pulling, strangling, etc.
-
Verbal — taunting, teasing, name calling, threatening, hate speech
-
Emotional — rejection or exclusion of others, rumors, gossip, forcing others to do things
-
Sexual — unwanted hugs, pinches, slaps, or sexual jokes (Sexual bullying is sexual harassment and should not be confused with flirting)
-
Cyberbullying — using internet, e-mails, IMs, text messages, social networking sites (Myspace, Facebook, Friendster, Xanga) to taunt, tease, harass, spread rumors or gossip
Cyberbullying has become a national problem of great concern. New technologies offer many ways to communicate, and youth today have fully embraced these technologies. They have become a major part of our children’s social environment. Although these technologies provide unlimited means to learn and obtain information, they also provide powerful tools for bullying.
Warning Signs
The signs listed below that a child is being bullied or is engaging in bullying behavior are not exclusive. A child may show some signs or many signs and a child may exhibit some of these signs and not be involved in bullying at all.
Warning Signs That a Child is Being Bullied
-
Shows an abrupt lack of interest in school or refusal to go to school
-
Takes an unusual route to school
-
Suffers a drop in grades
-
Has few or no friends
-
Withdraws from family and school activities
-
Is sad, sullen or angry after receiving a phone call or email
-
Uses derogatory or demeaning language when talking about peers
-
Stops talking about peers and everyday activities
-
Has disheveled, torn or missing clothing
-
Has physical injuries
-
Has stomachaches, headaches, panic attacks
-
Is unable to sleep, sleeps too much, or is exhausted
Warning Signs That a Child is Engaging in Bullying Behavior
-
Lacks empathy
-
Views violence more favorably than most students do
-
Often aggressive toward adults, parents and teachers
-
Often hot tempered, impulsive and intolerant of obstacles or delays
-
Finds it difficult to fit in with rules
-
Needs to dominate and suppress other students, assert himself/herself by means of force and threats, and get his/her own wa
What Parents Can Do
-
Learn the school rules and sanctions regarding bullying
-
Participate in training the school may offer regarding bullying
-
Stay in touch with your child’s teachers
-
As soon as you are aware of a bullying problem, report it to the school
-
Accept help from the school with regard to bullying problems whether your child is the target, the bully or a bystander
What The Target of Bullying Can Do
-
Talk to your parents or an adult you trust such as a teacher, school counselor or principal
-
Don’t blame yourself for what has happened
-
Try to make friends with other students
-
Avoid situations where bullying can happen
-
Stay in a group
What Bystanders Can Do
Be a part of the solution. Bystanders are a powerful majority at any school. They can use their social power and personal actions to promote respect.
-
Speak up and offer support to the victim
-
Walk away—bullies enjoy an audience
-
Refuse to join in if someone is being bullied
-
Report bullying to an adult
What Schools Can Do
Create a plan to prevent, identify and respond to bullying and harassment, including but not limited to the following:
1. Form a Prevention Committee
2. Train the Committee and all staff
3. Assess perception and experiences of bullying among students
4. Establish and enforce school rules against bullying
5. Review and refine the supervisory system
6. Involve parents
7. Educate students
What The Community Can Do
As a community we need to stand together with parents and schools and reinforce the message that bullying will not be tolerated in our homes, schools or community. We must teach our children self-respect and provide them with positive influences so they will grow to be happy, healthy adults.
-
Talk about what bullying means
-
Be a positive role model
-
Take an interest in a child’s school work and activities
-
Teach tolerance and empathy
-
Reinforce positive behaviors
-
Support local bullying prevention programs
-
Spend time talking and listening to children
-
Use your time and talents to help a child
-
Be a mentor
Many thanks to the Quincy SEPAC for their wealth of information on this topic.
NOTE: F-SEPAC is providing the information above for educational purposes as a public service.
References to any treatment, program, or professional are not endorsements.