It is imperative that all school stakeholders, whether locally or worldwide, be more consistent with how bullying and harassment is perceived. Considering the irreparable damage bullying and harassment could cause on a student’s well-being, it is crucial that faculty and staff possess the ability to effectively respond to and prevent such behaviors. It is safe to say that acts of bullying and harassment will never be completely eliminated. With this said, it is critical that the effects of such acts be mitigated in every way possible. For this to occur, it is essential that school leaders be diligent in communicating ways in which faculty and staff can effectively respond to and, most importantly, prevent cases of bullying and harassment. Collaboration is key. In order for school personnel to work together against the threat of bullying and harassment, it is critical for all to keep current and well-versed in the most effective strategies being used – not just locally, throughout the world. Performing scientific research via the Internet is of the most efficient ways in which to become privy to such strategies. The more aware we are, the more effective we will be in creating safe and secure learning environments for all.

1. Bullying & Harassment:
How Informed Are We?
BRIAN O’CONNOR
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
DECEMBER 2018

2. What Constitutes
Bullying & Harassment?
Florida Statute 1006.147 -
Bullying and Harassment Prohibited:
 “Bullying” includes cyberbullying and means systematically
and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological
distress on one or more students…
 “Harassment” means any threatening, insulting, or
dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or
written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student
or school employee…

3. What Do I Need To Know?
 The first step to protecting students from acts of bullying and
harassment is to become familiar with ways in which students
engage in such acts:
 Person-to-person
 Phone call/text message
 Social Media
 Internet
 Cyberbullying is a form of bullying and harassment through
social media and online resources (i.e. mobile phones, the
Internet).

4. How Do I Know It’s Occurring?
Not all forms of bullying and harassment are easily
identifiable.
Do not make assumptions:
 What is a joke to one student may not be to another.
 “Friends” bully “friends”… keep this in mind!
Keep consistent with enforcing policies and procedures
related to bullying and harassment.
Collaboration is essential to consistency.

5. (Mis)Perceptions
Bullying is a worldwide concern and
erroneous perceptions of the phenomenon
could underscore unsustainable
interventions.
- Lekunze, L. M. G. and Strom, B. I. (2017)

6. (Mis)Perceptions
There is a distinct difference between “joking
around” and bullying and harassment.
It is the responsibility of faculty and staff to use
professional judgement in identifying the difference.
Misperceptions can potentially yield irreparable
mental, emotional and/or physical harm upon a
student or group of students.

7. Keeping Current…
 It is essential for faculty and staff to keep current with
laws and policies surrounding bullying and
harassment.
 Professional judgement is critical when faced with a
situation that is not clearly defined by specific laws,
policies and/or procedures.
 Collaboration is key to consistency… Learn from one
another!!

8. How Can I Learn More?
 Federal, state and local policies and procedures can
be communicated by school leaders through
professional development opportunities.
 The Internet is a valuable source of information
regarding strategies and ideas on how to deal issues
related to bullying and harassment.
 The following video is an example of how one’s
passion for change can make a positive impact…

9. Trisha Prabhu: ReThink

10. Recent Legislation
 The effects of cyberbullying can be devastating.
 For example:
As a result of being cyberbullied by two classmates of the
same age, 12-year-old Gabriella Green took her own life by
hanging herself with a dog leash in her closet.
 It is for reasons like this that law and policy regarding
cyberbullying be clearly stated and strictly enforced.
 The ever-changing landscape of the school environment,
and extensions thereof, must always be considered.

11. Recent Legislation
 Recent Florida Statutes extend origins of bullying and
harassment to computer software accessed and
utilized outside of the immediate school setting.
 Bullying or harassment of any student or employee of
a public K-12 educational institution is prohibited
through the use of data or computer software that is
accessed at a non-school-related location.
- Florida Statute 1006.147

12. Final Thoughts
 The effects of all forms of bullying and
harassment should never be underestimated.
 It is the job of school leaders, faculty, staff and all
school stakeholders, including students, to create
a safe and secure learning environment for all.

13. Final Thoughts
 Law and policy can not specifically target all possible
acts of bullying and harassment.
 It is the responsibility of school employees to use
adequate professional judgement when assessing a
situation.
 It is critical that all school stakeholders remain
current and well-versed in laws, policies and
procedures related to bullying and harassment.

14. References
 Florida Statutes (2018). 1006.147: Bullying and harassment
prohibited. Retrieved from:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?
App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=1000-
1099/1006/Sections/1006.147.html.
 Lekunze, L. M. G. & Strom, B. I. (2017). Bullying and
Victimisation Dynamics in High School: An Exploratory
Case Study. Journal of Teacher Education for Sustainability,
19(1), 147–163.
 TEDx Talks (2017, February 24). Rethink before the
damage is done-Prabhu-TEDx Youth@Hewitt. Retrieved
from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StqRJhHNUGA.