Because Our Children Are Watching

Watch a 3 minute inspirational video

As the summer comes to a close, excitement fills the air. This can only mean one thing: It’s the beginning of school. While our children are gathering supplies and parents are gearing up for the schedule change, teachers everywhere are preparing to begin the new year. Everything parents and teachers do, positively or negatively, makes an impact on our children – even when away from the classroom. --Eric Harvey

"We must be the change we want to see in the world."  -- Mahatma Gandhi    

The Importance of Consistency

Here’s a truism to remember: rules and guidelines are meaningful only when they are followed…when they are enforced. So, when it comes to setting boundaries, stating your expectations of students and employees is only half the battle. The other half involves "delivering" on what you tell students and employees to expect from you. You must walk the talk. And the key to doing that is consistency – holding ALL the people accountable for following ALL the rules (boundaries), ALL the time.

It’s critically important that you address each policy, procedure, or behavioral guideline violation as soon as you become aware of it. The type of meeting you have with the student or employee – and the resulting consequences – may vary based on the history and severity of the problem. What must not vary, however, is your practice of confronting issues. Let some things (or people) slide, and you run many risks, including:

• Sending mixed and confusing messages to the people who depend upon you for guidance and direction.
• Creating a setting where students and employees decide which rules are important and which ones can be "stretched" or ignored.
• Exposing yourself to charges of favoritism or discrimination.
• Losing the respect of the members of your school.

The truth is, in order for students and employees to see and accept you as the leader, you must BE the leader. And that means not only talking about boundaries, but consistently enforcing them as well. 

The above comes from  Eric Harvey of Walk the Talk, and references the book  Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow: Navigating Your Changing Role By Laura E. Bernstein. While the book speaks to the corporate setting, we have altered the wording to include 'students', as the same holds equally true in the school setting.

As an adult, one of the best ways we can help stop or prevent bullying is to be educated about, and sensitive to, the issue.

Bullying is NOT a rite of passage ~ an undesirable, but sometimes unavoidable, reality of growing up.

Rather, bullying is a serious public health issue that affects countless young people every day. Further, research shows that the effects of bullying can last well into adulthood.

Here are some good resources for educators about bullying, and what the school community can do to help stop it. 

Learn more about the "Take A Stand. Lend A Hand. Stop Bullying Now!" National Campaign and what everyone in the school can do about bullying. Be sure to look into their Video Workshop.

Print and distribute Tip Sheets to administration, teachers, staff, parents and students.

Read what the National School Safety Center has to say about bullying in schools, including what the school community, teachers, students, parents and the community can do to promtoe an anti-bullying message.

National Education Association: Teacher Behavior Included In Anti-Bullying Policy

Articles: Teacher Safety: Bullying's Not Just Happening To (or by) Students 

As you know, bullying has been identified as a major concern by schools across the U.S. (NEA, 2003). Not only is it impacting your students who are being bullied and their ability to feel safe and learn at school, bullying also has an impact on other students at school who are bystanders to bullying (Banks, 1997). Bullying creates a climate of fear and disrespect in schools and has a negative impact on students' learning (NEA, 2003). The consequences of bullying are far reaching, ranging from lower attendance and student achievement to increased incidence of violence and juvenile crime. Children who bully are more likely to become violent adults, while victims of bullying often suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression well into adulthood (Banks, 2000; NRCSS, 1999).

While some may feel that bullying in their school is being adequately addressed, overwhelmingly, the research reflects a significant gap between educators’ perceptions and actual incidents of bullying at school. In one study, classroom teachers identified and intervened in only 4 percent of bullying incidents (Skiba & Fontanini, 2000). Part of the problem is that bullying is more likely to occur in places where adults are not. However, lack of understanding of the nature and severity of bullying behavior also contributes significantly to many adults’ inability or unwillingness to get involved (U.S. Department of Education [USDOE], 1998). Adults are often unaware of bullying problems (Limber, 2002). In one study, 70 percent of teachers believed that teachers intervene "almost always" in bullying situations; only 25 percent of students agreed with this assessment (Charach et al., 1995).

Read more bullying statistics.

Parents United Against Bullying welcomes the opportunity to work with you and your students to reduce incidents of bullying, and provide a safe environment where children can live, learn and grow. To achieve this, we offer to assist educators with developing a comprehensive, systemic program that addresses bullying at all school levels, and is aimed at accomplishing the following goals:

• To send a clear message to students, staff, parents and community members that bullying will not be tolerated.
• To train staff and students in taking pro-active steps to prevent bullying from occuring.
• To implement procedures for immediate intervention and investigation of intimidating, harassing or bullying incidents 
• To initiate efforts to change the behavior of students exhibiting bullying behaviors through: re-education on socially acceptable behavior, discussions, counseling, and appropriate negative consequences.
• To foster a productive partnership with parents and community members in order to help maintain a safe environment.
• To support victims of bullying.
• To help develop peer support networks, social skills and confidence for all youth.
• To recognize and praise positive, supportive behaviors of youth toward one another on a regular basis.

One of the resources utilized by Parents United Against Bullying is the "Take A Stand. Lend A Hand. Stop Bullying Now!" National Campaign.This campaign was developed by Health and Human Resource's Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in partnership with more than 70 health, safety, education and faith-based organizations. In addition, a Youth Expert Panel comprised of 18 9- through 13-year-olds provided creative direction during the development of the campaign. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona and HRSA Administrator Betty James Duke launched the new campaign in March 2004 at the KIPP DC: KEY Academy in Washington, D.C. The Campaign has the support of a variety of public service, youth, professional membership, and community organizations that care about this issue. These key organizations have helped to shape the Campaign by appointing members to serve on committees that have been involved with offering feedback about every facet of this important effort.

Our children need YOU and the collaborative effort of the entire community to make a real and lasting change. The Bullying Awareness & Prevention Alliance (BAPA) welcomes the opportunity to work with you and your school to help make our schools and communities safer for our children, and provide an opportunity for our children to live, learn and grow without fear of harrassment or bullying.

Contact us for more information.