SAP Newsletter
October 2022 - Bullying Prevention Month
What is Bullying?
According to Stopbullying.gov, Bullying is unwanted agressive behavior among school aged children that invovles a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.
To be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
- An Imbalance of Power
- Repetition
Different Types of Bullying
Physical Bullying is the most obvious form of intimidation and can consist of kicking, hitting, biting, pinching, hair pulling, and making threats.
Verbal Bullying This can include name calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.
Emotional Intimidation A bully may deliberately exclude you from a group activity such as a party or school outing.
Racist Bullying can take many forms: making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, mocking the victim's cultural customs, and making offensive gestures.
Sexual Bullying is unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
Cyberbullying is one or a group of kids or teens using electronic means via computers and mobile phones to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, embarrass or target another kid or teen.
Facts & Stats
The PA Youth Survey for Bucks County students in 2021 reported:
- 20.9% of students in Bucks County indicated experiencing bullying in the past 12 months.-- 5.6% reported having been physically attacked while on school property.
- Of those who reported they were bullied, 45.3%indicate it is because of they way they look (hair, clothing, etc.) and 34.5% indicate it is becase of their height or weight.
- 57.4% of student who reported they were cyberbulllied indicated they felt so sad or hopeless everyday for at least two weeks that they stopped doing things they usally enjoyed, 37.1% seriously considered suicide, 29% made a suicide plan, and 23.3% had attempted suicide.
Signs of Bullying
Signs a Child is Being Bullied
- Unexplainable injuries
- Lost or destroyed clothes, books, electronics, or jewelry
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches; or faking an illness
- Difficulty sleeping or having frequent nightmares
- A decline in grades
- A sudden loss of friends or avoiding social situations
- Decrease in self-esteem
- Self-destructive behavior- running away from home, harming themselves, talking about suicide
Effects of Bullying
On the Victim:
- Injury
- Emotional Distress, Depression, Anxiety
- Self-harm
- Sleep Issues
- Failing Grades
On the Bully:
- Increased risk of Substance misuse
- Academic Problems
- Expereincing violence later on in life
- Increased problems in relationships
Bullying vs. Conflict
What exactly is the difference between bullying and conflict? Children face conflicts daily teaching them how to come to an understanding or agreement while learning problem solving skills. In conflict, those involved take responsibility of their actions and make compromises to resolve the problem. Whereas in bullying one student makes the decision to intentionally harm another, there is no compromising when bulling occurs.
Characteristics:
Peer Conflict
Everyone has equal power
Upset feelings by everyone involved
No one is afraid of the other
Usually not emotionally damaging
It never makes a student feel bad about themselves
Bullying
Imbalance of power - one student (or group) has control
The bully wants the other student to be afraid
A bully has no remorse for their actions
The issues are ongoing
The student being bullied feels bad about themselves
Serious emotional or physical threat occurs
How To Help
Parents, school staff, and other caring adults have a role to play in preventing bullying. They can:
- Help kids understand bullying. Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Make sure kids know how to get help.
- Keep the lines of communication open. Check in with kids often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school, and understand their concerns.
- Encourage kids to do what they love. Special activities, interests, and hobbies can boost confidence, help kids make friends, and protect them from bullying behavior.
- Model how to treat others with kindness and respect.
Additional Ways:
Students, parents, staff, teachers, counselors can collaborate with their Student Assistance Program for more help.
LOCAL RESOURCES:
- The Peace Center operates a Bullying Resource and Call Center. It can be reached at 215-750-7220 ext. 14 during normal business hours M-F from 9 am - 6 pm. More information can be found by visiting thier website.
- For victims of bullying counseling may also be available through NOVA Bucks County.
STOMP Out Bullying HelpChat Line
This HelpChat Line is a free and confidential online chat that helps youths ages 13-24 with issues around bullying and cyberbullying; as well as providing support to youths who may be at risk of suicide.
Click here to learn more about the HelpChat line: https://www.stompoutbullying.org/helpchat
Distance Learning & Cyberbullying
Elementary Students
Middle/High School Students
Parents & Caregivers
PA Consultation Line: 1-866-716-0424
The Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Consultation Line is a toll free number available to school staff, students, and parents across the commonwealth. This line offers discussion of effective strategies and resources available to deal with school-based bullying. Messages can be left 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will be returned Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
What is National Prescrtiption Drug Take Back Day?
Why Do We Collect?
To protect our youth and the environment! Help keep our kids, our homes, our pets, and our streams safe.
CONTACT
Donna Foisy, BCDAC, Inc. Prevention Specialiast
215-444-2740 ---- dsfoisy@buckscounty.org
Visit www.bcdac.org for more information regarding what is accepted and a listing of locations.
THE COUNCIL OF SOUTHEAST PA, INC.
Email: dcatherwood@councilsepa.org
Website: Councilsepa.org
Location: 4459 West Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: 215-345-6644