• Angleton ISD Stands Up Against Bullying

     

    TAKE A STAND...LEND A HAND

    Bullying is characterized by repeated, unprovoked harassment of another individual in which that individual has difficulty defending him/herself.

Bullying and Suicide

  • If the victim of bullying feels like they have nobody to turn to help stop the bullying, they may feel as though nobody cares, or that they do not deserve to be helped. The victim may view life as being hopeless, which can, in turn, lead to thoughts of suicide or even attempts.

    Bullying and victimization are frequently associated with thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. Bullying can also cause or deepen depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, feelings or being trapped, self-blame, insomnia, etc.

     

    Is your child being bullied?

    A child who’s bullied often exhibits some of the following warning signs:

    • Becomes socially withdrawn Has few or no friends
    • Feels sad, alone, rejected, not liked, picked on or persecuted.
    • Often complains of feeling sick. Doesn't want to go to school or skips school.
    • Brings home damaged possessions or "loses" possessions often.
    • Cries easily
    • talks of running away or suicide.
    • Has changes in appetite and sleeping patterns.
    • Threatens violence to self and others.
    • Displays "victim" body language such as hung head or shoulders, avoiding eye contact.
    • Tries to take "protection" to school (stick, knife, etc.).

     

    Characteristics of children who bully

    • Impulsive, hot-headed, dominant
    • Are easily frustrated
    • Show little concern for others feelings
    • Have difficulty following rules
    • View violence in a positive way
    • Are often physically strong

What is Bullying?

  • Bullying occurs when a student while at school or off campus intentionally:

    • Assaults
    • Batters
    • threatens
    • Harasses
    • Stalks
    • Intimidates
    • Humiliates or
    • Taunts another student And or affects the school environment

     

    Types of Bullying

    Emotional

    • Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (hiding books, threatening gestures)

    Physical

    • Pushing, kicking, hitting, slapping, elbowing, shouldering (slamming someone on the shoulder, shoving in a harmful or embarrassing way, taking, stealing, damaging or defacing belongings or other property, restraining, pinching, attacking with spit wads or food, punching or any use  of violence)

    Indirect Social/Relational

    • Destroying and manipulating relationships (turning best friends against each other), destroying status within a peer group, destroying reputations, humiliation and embarrassment, social isolation (excluding someone from the group), stealing boyfriend/girlfriend to hurt someone, negative body language, glares, dirty looks, nasty jokes, notes passed around, anonymous  notes and hate petitions

    Verbal

    • Name-calling, insulting remarks and put downs, sarcasm, spreading rumors, repeated teasing, threats and intimidation, whispering behind someone’s back

     

     

Cyber Bullying

  • Cyberbullying is deliberate, repeated harm toward someone using an electronic device (like the internet or cell phone).

    There are many types of Cyberbullying.

    A few are listed below:

    • Name calling via text messaging or social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, twitter, snap chat.)
    • Sending threatening emails, texts or posts to social networking sites.
    • Texting or posting gossip
    • Texting or posting someone’s secrets
    • Texting or posting photos of another person without consent (usually embarrassing or intimate photos)

     

    Cyberbullying can be stopped.

    Signs to look for that may indicate a teen is a cyberbully or victim of Cyberbullying

    • Unexpectedly or suddenly discontinues use of the computer when an instant message appears
    • Quickly switching webpages or closing programs when you walk by
    • Is unusually upset if computer or cell phone privileges are taken away
    • Not interested in going to school, extracurricular and/or general outside activities
    • Will not discuss what they are doing on the computer or their cell phone
    • Has multiple online accounts or is using someone else’s account
    • Is visibly angry, frustrated, depressed or sullen, after using the computer
    • Becomes abnormally withdrawn and distant from family, friends, and favorite activities
    • Overall is just acting differently when it comes to electronic devices

What can I do if my child is being bullied?

  • Stay calm – do not be too quick to blame anyone – do not respond until you have details

    • Sit down with your child and write down everything they tell you (objective measurable proof).
    • Call your principal to discuss in a calm and mature way what has been told to you and what can be done.
    • Reassure your child that if you have to speak to the principal that it will be done outside of school hours.
    • Remember the school is just as concerned about your child’s safety and welfare, so let's work together.
    • Make sure your child knows that no one deserves to be bullied.
    • Explain why bullies mistreat others.
    • Explain that bullies seek certain reactions – want to hurt you and make you upset.
    • Let your child know it is normal to feel hurt, fear, embarrassment, shame, and anger.
    • Express confidence that a solution can be found – give your child hope.

     

    Why won't your child speak up?

    • Afraid you will make a scene
    • Embarrass them in front of their peers
    • Make it worse than it already is
    • Bully will find out

Resources

  • You may contact your student’s school counselor for more information or to report information.

    Angleton High School............979-864-8001
    Angleton Junior High.............979-864-8002
    Central Elementary...............979-864-8004
    Northside Elementary............979-864-8006
    Southside Elementary...........979-864-8008
    Westside Elementary............979-864-8009
    Rancho Elementary..............979-864-8007
    Frontier Elementary.............979-864-8005
    JJAEP/Boot Camp (AHS).......979-864-1210

    stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov | wrightslaw.com | education.com/topic/school-bullying