In 2010, the NH Legislature signed into law requirements and protocols for dealing with bullying in our schools. The Department of Education has stated: “one of the legislature’s highest priorities is to protect our children from physical, emotional, and psychological violence by addressing the harm caused by bullying and cyberbullying in our public schools.” (RSA 193-F:2, 1). By 2011 all schools were required to have policies and procedures in place to address bullying.
What is bullying? If you ask several different people, you will hear many different answers!
According to Dictionary.com, "Bullying" is defined as:
"a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people".
Webster's Dictionary defines bullying as:
The Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines bullying as: "one habitually cruel to others who are weaker"Webster's Dictionary defines bullying as:
| "bullying -the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something" |
It's become the norm for every slight or injustice to be called bullying. Someone taking your seat in the cafeteria is not necessarily bullying. It's rude- but not necessarily bullying. One student pushing another on the playground to get the last swing might not be bullying. It's mean behavior and needs to be dealt with, but its not always bullying. (Yes, I agree- sometimes it is- when this happens on a regular basis and is done by the same child.) Whenever laws get changed, there is a tendency to swing too far. Bullying in schools is a serious issue that needs to be handled- but not everything kids do or say fall into this category.
Of course, we all know that bullying does take place in schools- that is why we investigate every report we receive whether it be from a student, a staff member, or a parent. Once we receive a reported bullying incident, a complete investigation takes place with both guidance and administration. No matter the outcome, parents are notified. Often it is a case of students being intolerant or rude- bad behavior. This is addressed with consequences appropriate to the incident. Bullying that takes place is dealt with swiftly and with more severe consequences. Parents of both the victim and the bully are notified.
How do we alert and train staff and students about bullying in our schools? It starts at the beginning of the school year when all staff receive training on what to do if they see or hear about a student being bullied or harassed. Throughout the year, students receive training and reminders through such events as assemblies and discussions. All staff members are required, and students are strongly encouraged, to report any suspected situations to the administration. Once a report is generated, the administration begins an investigation.
I want to assure and remind everyone that bullying and harassment are not tolerated in our schools- we cannot, however, investigate if we don't know about a situation. Our School Board Policies on this topic can be found at: www.sau33.com. Once at this site, click on the "School Board" tab, then go to "Section J". Policy JICDA covers our District's policy on bullying and harassment. A bullying report can also be generated through this same web site. Under each of the schools, on the left side of the page, click on the "Bullying/Harassment Reporting Form". Filling in this form initiates an investigation. This form can also be printed and handed in at any of the schools.
Our highest priority is student safety in all areas: through safety drills, safety equipment, staff training and attention to bullying and harassment issues. As we start this new school year, please let us know of any incidents where you suspect or know of bullying behavior. Every report is thoroughly investigated.
