Bully-Free: It's Our Responsibility!

Worrall 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.

An overview of the Bullying Prevention Program was presented to Parents at Back to School Night in Septemer 2006. A copy of the powerpoint presentation is available here.

Its's a Question of Rights — All children have a right to a school environment where they feel safe and can learn to the best of their abilities.

Worrall's efforts include: Training of all staff Establishing a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee of teachers, staff and parents Administering the Bully/Victim Survey to determine when and where bullying occurs and increasing supervision Establishing school-wide rules and applying consistent sanctions against bullying Rewarding children for pro-social behaviors Holding regular classroom meetings to discuss bullying and other behavioral issues Making use of videos, books and other resources on bullying Holding school-wide assemblies Identifying bullies and victims of bullying in order to address their individual needs.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when one child, or a group of children, repeatedly hurts another child through words or actions. Bullying behaviors may involve physical aggression, such as hitting and shoving, and verbal aggression, such as name calling, teasing and threatening. Bullying may be more subtle, such as ignoring someone and deliberately excluding them from the group, telling lies and spreading rumors.

Examples of bullying include: Hitting, Pushing, Kicking; Spreading rumors or lies about someone; Stealing or damaging someone else’s property; Threatening someone or forcing someone to do something against his or her will; Repetitive teasing and name-calling; Ignoring or excluding someone from playing.

How Can We Distinguish Bullying from Teasing or Rough and Tumble Play?

Bullying involves an imbalance of power. It usually occurs between people who are not friends. The general atmosphere is one of intimidation, and it is difficult for the student being bullied to defend him/herself.

Why Focus on Bullying?

Bullying can have lifelong consequences for bullies and victims. It affects the entire school climate. Even students who are neither the bully nor the victim, but who witness repeated bullying can become fearful and feel that the adults are not in control or are uncaring. Victims of bullying may experience low self-esteem that remains until adulthood. While the bullying is occurring, they may exhibit physical problems, school phobia and symptoms of depression. Children who bully often become adults who bully. One study found that 60 percent of chronic bullies had an arrest record in their early twenties.

What Can Parents Do?

Please check the Parents' Information Page to find out how you can be a part of our Bully-Free Program!