Bullying Prevention at Worth County R-III

The Worth County R-III School District has been continuing to take positive steps in decreasing bullying and increasing positive peer relationships among all of our students.  Bullying occurs when someone says or does mean or hurtful things to another person, while the other person has a difficult time defending him or herself.  Bullying involves a discrepancy of power between the individuals involved and a pattern of bullying may develop over time.  Verbal bullying, social exclusion or isolation, physical bullying, being threatened or forced to do things by another individual, having property taken or damaged, spreading lies or rumors about others,  and cyber-bullying are among some of the ways individuals can be bullied.  Our school district has adopted four rules while using the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to help decrease bullying in our school.  These rules include:  (1) We will not bully others. (2) We will try to help students who are bullied.  (3) We will try to include students who are left out.  (4) If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will get help and tell an adult.

Cyber-Bullying occurs when an individual uses any form of technology to bully other(s).  With the growing use of technology inside and outside of our homes, it is critical to be aware of this type of bullying and learn ways to prevent it.  It is important to keep the computer(s) that your children are using in open places inside the home, such as your living room or kitchen.  Discuss with your children the activities they are taking part in while online, the dangers of cyber-bullying, and encourage them to talk with you if bullying online happens to them or anyone they know.  We sometimes feel the need to respect a younger individual’s privacy, however their safety and well-being is far too important to ignore these practical strategies in preventing cyber-bullying.  There are also software programs available to help monitor your internet; however, this alone will not be able to completely prevent all cyber-bullying. 

It is our responsibility to help develop respectful and compassionate individuals who will learn the necessary skills that are needed to create healthy relationships throughout their life.  Being aware of the forms of bullying that our children could be faced with is an important part of this responsibility. 

The Elementary/Junior High Guidance office has a resource library that any parent or student is welcome to look through.  An additional list of children’s books that talk specifically about bullying is also available.  If you would like to learn more about any resources related to this topic or have any additional concerns/questions, feel free to contact Deanna Carpenter at 564-3320. 

Olweus, Dan, Ph.D., and Susan P. Limber, Ph.D. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Teacher Guide. Center City: Hazelden, 2007.