Let's Cut Down On Bullying
And Make Friends Instead
Culbertson Elementary School is proud to have initiated a Bullying Prevention Program, based on the program created by Dr. Dan Olweus of the University of Bergen in Norway. The Bullying Prevention Program includes school-wide and classroom-level activity, individual interventions with bullies and victims and community involvement. This violence prevention program combines the effort of all school staff (including teachers, principals, guidance counselors, cafeteria workers, custodians and bus drivers), as well as students, parents and other members of the community to reduce bullying and other violent behavior.
Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents. Surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are bullied on a regular basis.
Bullying behavior can be physical or verbal. Boys tend to use physical intimidation or threats, regardless of the gender of their victims. Bullying by girls is more often verbal, usually with another girl as the target.
Children who are bullied experience real suffering that can interfere with their social and emotional development, as well as their school performance.
Children and adolescents who bully thrive on controlling or dominating others. They have often been the victims of physical abuse or bullying themselves. Bullies may also be depressed, angry or upset about events at school or at home. Children targeted by bullies also tend to fit a particular profile. Bullies often choose children who are passive, easily intimidated, or have few friends. Victims may also be smaller or younger, and have a harder time defending themselves.