2. Phoenix Elementary Responds to Bullying
What is the definition of “Bullying”?
1) Bullying includes behaviors and actions that are verbal, physical and/
or anti-social, such as exclusion, gossip and non-verbal body
language. It can occur at school or in transit between school and
home (2010).
2) Bullying is a form of abuse. It comprises repeated acts over time that
involves a real or perceived imbalance of power with the more
powerful individual or group abusing those who are less powerful. The
power imbalance may be social power and/or physical power
(2010).
Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 is proud to promote bully-free
communities. You and your family are entitled to a safe living environment. As
parents, you are especially accountable for pro-actively enforcing a safe
community for your children.
The Step-by-Step Response to Bullying was developed through partnerships
with Safe Communications, Inc. and Crime Stop. The following information
will equip you as a parent with effective steps on how to respond to bullying in
schools and in your community.
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3. 7 Step-by-Step Responses to Bullying at School
1) Communication with your child(ren) is always important. Get to know
your child’s daily routine. Some suggestions to open a discussion with
your child(ren) concerning bullying are asking:
a. “How was your day?” (Pay attention to your child’s
response and body language.)
b. Measure your child’s response by asking how much the
situation affects them. How long has the aggressor(s)
pursued your child?
c. Ask your child if he/she has communicated the unwanted
treatment to the aggressor(s). (For example: “I don’t like it
when you hit, push, take my things, etc., please stop!”)
d. If your child answers “yes” to response “c”, ask your child
if he/she has communicated the problem to their teacher
or a school official.
e. If your child answers “no” to response “c”, encourage
your child to speak up and ask the aggressor(s) to stop
the behavior. No one has a right to violate another
person.
2) If the negative behavior by the aggressor(s) persists, you should call
or visit the school and inform the teacher of your concerns with the
unwanted behavior by the aggressor(s). (Request the name of each
school official you speak with.)
3) Ask the school official about their policy on bullying?
4) Request for the aggressor(s) to be spoken to and informed of the
school’s policy on bullying.
5) Parent(s) should continue to follow up with their child on a daily basis
until the issue is resolved.
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4. 6) If the negative behavior continues by the aggressor(s), contact the
school Principal. Take the following steps and be sure to
communicate your progress:
a. Give the Principal names of all teacher(s) and/or school
official(s) you’ve worked with and request the Principal
follow up with them.
b. Ask the school if they will contact the parent(s) of the
aggressor(s), to inform them of their child’s
actions/behaviors.
c. Ask the school how they can ensure your child and the
aggressor(s) are separated?
d. Ask the Principal to follow up with you on a plan of action
within 48 hours.
7) If the problem persists after working with all school officials, ask the
school if they will suspend or expel the aggressor(s) and/or you can
call Crime Stop at (602) 262-6151.
You have the right to request a Police Officer who will facilitate a
school mediation involving you, your child, the aggressor(s), their
parents, and the school officials.
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5. 4 Step-by-Step Responses to Bullying in Your Community
1) Do not confront the aggressor(s) or their parent(s).
2) Contact Crime Stop (602) 262-6151or 9-1-1 immediately.
3) Follow the instruction(s) of the officer or phone representative.
4) If applicable, notify officials at your child’s school and ensure your
child’s bus driver is also informed of any incidents. If possible, work
closely with your child’s school to resolve the bullying issue.
As leaders of your community, we encourage you to join other parents to form
an “Ambassador Committee”. The Ambassador Committee will strengthen
your efforts to protect your children and your neighborhood.
What is the Ambassador Committee?
1) The Ambassador Committee consists of volunteer parents whose
interest is to eliminate bullying in the community in which they live.
2) The purpose of the Ambassador Committee is to monitor and propose
new ideas towards the Stop Bullying Project.
3) As members of the Ambassador Committee assigned parents are
expected to report helpful solutions on how to decrease bullying
based on community news and media resources.
4) Parents are assigned various administrative tasks, such as, taking
minutes, communicating meeting reminders, and sending flyers or
posting announcements in the community.
How Parents Can Form an Ambassador Committee
1) Invite other parents from your neighborhood to get involved by
hosting a meeting at a public facility in your community, such as a
school, church, clubhouse etc.
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6. 2) At the initial meeting you should recruit parent leaders who will
commit to the following tasks:
• Report news and helpful tools about bullying
• Monitor and report bullying situations to Law
Enforcement/Crime Stop (602) 262-6151.
• Stay connected with schools (elementary & high schools) to
promote a bully-free community
3) As the leader of the Ambassador Committee, you might establish
guidelines (ie. meeting schedule, objectives, role delegation, etc.),
and coordinate the exchange of contact information between parents.
4) Parents who participate on the Ambassador Committee should expect
to plan, provide relevant feedback, demonstrate leadership within the
community and have no issues with law enforcement.
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7. The 9 Myths Most Parents Believe about Bullying?
1) If you ignore the problem it will go away. (False)
2) There is no right way to respond to bullying. (False)
3) Bullying affects only certain age, race and gender groups. (False)
4) Allowing the school to facilitate mediation between my child and the
aggressor is a good idea. (False)
5) The schools and community don’t care and can’t help. (False)
6) Teaching my child(ren) to fight back is the best way. (False)
7) Bullying does not leave long term behavioral effects on neither the
aggressor nor the victim. (False)
8) Retaliating on the aggressor and or their caretaker(s) is not illegal
since I am protecting my child. (False)
9) Bullying is very seldom a learned behavior, but rather something kids
just do. (False)
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8. The STOP BULLYING PROJECT was implemented in 2010 through the
comprehensive efforts of the community. This project was designed to
educate and support victims facing bullying who attend schools in Phoenix
Elementary School District #1. Our objective is to promote a safe environment
by eliminating aggressive behaviors defined as “bullying” towards young
children, adolescents and adults.
If you have questions addressing the Stop Bullying Project, please contact
Denise Brewer at drshields@consultant.com.
Suggested Resources
www.standagainstbullying.org
www.mousemail.com
www.stopbullyingnow.com
http://howtostopcyberbullying.com
www.yic.gov/drugfree/prevention.html
www.momshomeroom.msn.com
www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org
www.bridges4kids.org/PBS/bullying.htm
www.parentfurther.com
www.yosipuedo.gov (en Español)
Crime Stop Contact Numbers:
602-262-6151 (Emergency)
602-262-7626 (Information Desk)
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9. References
Bullying (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved December 20, 2010, from
http://m.dictionary.com/d/?q=bullying.
Davis, S. (2009). Stop Bullying Now. Retrieved from http://www.stopbullyingnow.com.
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