Bully Awareness
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Bullying means a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct. Bullying includes cyberbullying and cyberstalking. See the full definition in the NEISD Secondary Student/Parent Handbook and NEISD Elementary Student/Parent Handbook.
Bully Prevention at NEISD
Title IX
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The North East ISD prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment, against any student on the basis of sex. All students have a right to participate in District educational programs and school-related activities free from all forms of retaliation sexual or gender based harassment, and dating violence. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of District policy and is prohibited.
FAQs
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What if my child is bullied on the school bus?
The school bus is an extension of the classroom and just as expected in the schools, each student is required to respect the personal and property rights of others while riding the school bus during his/her daily route to and from school and home or curricular/extra-curricular activity fieldtrips. "Bullying" is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any time in order to maintain proper order for safe operations of the bus.
Expected conduct and orderly demeanor of students are outlined in the respective Elementary/Secondary handbooks under SCHOOL BUS STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND CONDUCT, "Rights and Responsibilities of the Student" and "Conduct on the Bus" which are not all inclusive (based also on level/severity of the infraction/related matters). Any suspicion of or indication of an actual event of "Bullying" on the bus should be immediately reported to the driver, driver's supervisor as indicated below and/or to the respective school administration. Proven "Bullying" (results of a formal investigation) will cause immediate removal from the bus. Time off the bus will be determined by the appropriate District official based on applicable District guidelines.
Please use the following points of contact to report any "Bullying" on the bus. The report should be made using the applicable bus number the student(s) rides and his/her school of attendance.- BAC Supervisors - Phone: 491-9980 / 9749 (12002 Jones-Maltsberger)
- Regular Buses: 001-016; 061-082; 129-138; 161-178; 508-515; 595-596
- Special Needs Buses: 319; 323; 329; 401-413; 439-444; 452-458
- Central Supervisors - Phone: 356-9226 / 9227 (10333 Broadway)
- Regular Buses: 083-118; 139-146; 218-229; 271-299; 500-507
- Special Needs Buses: 310-318; 324-328; 332; 394; 414-422; 428; 434-436; 438; 459-463
- North Supervisors - Phone: 356-9002 / 9003 (24000 Hwy 281)
- Regular Buses: 017-060; 119-128; 148-160; 190-215; 516-521; 590-594
- Special Needs Buses: 300-309; 320-322; 330-331; 398-400; 445-451
There is a surveillance system used in each route bus to promote safety and to investigate school bus related incidents. Additionally, our driver personnel are trained to detect and report student misbehavior and misconduct on the bus. With timely reporting of any perceived or actual event that could be considered as "Bullying," it can be corrected and/or stopped before a situation escalates. Also, a major "Bullying" issue could be resolved with immediate, appropriate corrective and stringent measures through the diligent work of the parent, school administration, Transportation Department personnel and Central Office staff, where applicable.
OUR GOAL IS TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE AN ORDERLY AND SAFE BUS. - BAC Supervisors - Phone: 491-9980 / 9749 (12002 Jones-Maltsberger)
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What can parents do to stop bullying?
As a parent it is important to stay educated on signs of bullying, even if your child is not being bullied. Your awareness could help another child deal with this nationwide problem.
Signs of Being Bullied
Disclaimer: The following MAY be indicators that your child is being bullied.
Unless your child tells you about bullying, or has visible bruises or injuries, it can be difficult to figure out if it's happening.- anxiousness
- not eating
- not sleeping well
- moodier or more easily upset than usual
- they start avoiding certain situations, like taking the bus to school
Exhibiting Signs of Bullying
Your child may be bullying others if he/she:
- Comes home from school with extra money or "new" toys, books, or clothes.
- Is cruel or mean when talking about other children.
- Excludes other children from activities.
Work closely with your administrator. If you see any of this behavior, take action. Discuss the situation with your child as soon as possible before the behavior becomes routine. Ask questions to find out what is going on in your child's life. It may be that your child is dealing with a difficult situation and is reacting to it by targeting other children. Or your child may not yet know the importance of understanding the feelings of others (empathy).
Types of Bullying
When discussing bullying, it is very important for parents, students and teachers to understand what bullying is not. In many instances a single act may be insensitive or mean behavior but is not considered bullying.
Some people think that bullying is any aggressive behavior or insensitive remark. Although this behavior is unacceptable and needs to be addressed, it is important to make the distinction from bullying.
It is important to remember anything that happens once is NOT an act of bullying. As a parent, it is important that you pay attention to what your kids are telling you and find out if things are happening more than once.
These signs may aslo indicate other issues going on with children, which is why it is important to maintain very open communication with your child, or make sure your child has someone he or she feels comfortable with to discuss what may be occurring. While schools try to do all they can to prevent and address bullying, school personnel cannot be everywhere at once, and no one knows your child better than you.There are 4 types of bullying.
Communication is Key
If you suspect bullying but your child is relucatanct to discuss it, find opportunities to bring up the issue. You might see something on TV and use it as a conversation starter, asking "What do you think of that?" or "What do you think that person should have done?" During these conversations you might also ask, "Have you ever seen this happen?" or "Have you ever experienced this?" Discuss with your child any similar situations you may have had at their age.
Let your kids know it's important to talk to someone about it, whether it's you, another adult (a teacher, school counselor, or family friend), or a sibling. If your child tells you about a bully, remain calm. Praise your child for being brave enough to talk about it. Focus on offering support and advice. There are several reasons that kids are reluctant to talk about bullying. Many feel embarrassed, ashamed, or worry that their parents will be disappointed. Some kids feel like it is their fault, or worry about repercussions from the bully for "tattling" on them.
As upsetting as bullying can be for you and your family, lots of people and resources are available to help.File a Bullying Complaint
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How can I help my child deal with bullying?
Many children are too embarrassed or are afraid to tell an adult about bullying. They may think that involving an adult will only make the problem worse. Help prepare children by teaching them socialization skills, modeling friendly behavior, and telling them that you will always be there for them. Mention that if something bothers them, they can also talk with a school counselor.
There are many ways you can help your child deal with bullying.- Talk about the situation. Although often reluctant at first, many children who are bullied will open up if they are in the right environment. A good place to start these discussions is in the car or other place where you have little eye-to-eye contact. Listen calmly and thoughtfully. Don't promise that you won't tell anyone. Rather, admit that you may need to become involved but you will do your very best not to make problems worse.
- Practice role-playing at home. Encourage your child to react calmly and confidently to taunting. Help your child understand that responding with physical aggression or insults usually will make the problem worse. For example, have your child practice saying "Leave me alone" and then walking away.
- Teach your child behaviors that show confidence rather than shyness and vulnerability. Children can learn to look people in the eye and speak up when they talk. Assure your child that confident behavior can be learned. Help build your child's self-esteem by suggesting that he or she meet others through different activities. Having friends and interests can boost a child's confidence and make him or her less likely to be bullied.
- Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make a good friend.
- Suggest that your child join activities that are supervised by an adult. Bullying is less likely to occur near adults.
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As a concerned parent, where do I start?
- Listen to your child and try to understand where they are coming from…and find out what exactly has been happening.
- Make sure that your child knows that you do not blame or feel disappointed in them.
- Ask your child what they think should be done.
- Find out what they have tried.
- Find out what worked, what didn't and why?
- Ask if they have told a teacher.
- Work with your campus administration regarding your child's behavior on their school or on the bus.
Responsibilities
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Bystanders
Bystanders either help or hurt. They are not neutral even though they think they are. Bystanders can be peers, teachers, parents, or even someone who does not have a direct relationship to the parties but may have witnessed an incident.
Bystanders' actions make a critical difference. In over 50% of the incidents, bullying stops within 10 seconds of a bystander stepping in. Children and adults should think ahead about what they will do when they witness or hear about bullying.
Helpful Bystanders...- directly intervene by discouraging the bully, defending the victim, or redirecting the situation away from bullying.
- rally the support of their peers to stand up against bullying
- get help by reporting the bullying to school authorities
Hurtful Bystanders...
- often instigate the bullying by prodding the bully
- often encourage the bullying by laughing or provoking the bully.
- sometimes join in the bullying once it has begun.
- passively accept bullying by watching and doing nothing. Without realizing it, these bystanders contribute to the problem. They are the audience a bully craves and the silent acceptance that allows bullies to continue their hurtful behavior.
Preparing Young People to Become Helpful Bystanders
Adults can prepare young people to become helpful bystanders by discussing with them the different ways bystanders can make a difference, and by letting them know that adults will support them, if and when they step forward. To empower bystanders, teach them to...- recognize bullying behavior.
- refuse to participate, encourage, or passively watch the bullying behavior.
- report the bullying incident to someone in a position of authority.
- decide beforehand how they can step in safely or go get help instead
- never, of course, resort to violence.
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NEISD Prevention Efforts
Bullying prevention efforts are part of the District Improvement Plan and each Campus Improvement Plan.
Throughout the District, we have numerous programs, strategies, and activities in place that not only address bullying behavior, but that go a good deal further toward creating a culture and climate where respect, caring, and kindness outrank meanness.
NEISD supports a proactive multifaceted approach that includes education, awareness, and discussion in order to create a culture of acceptance of differences. There is a concerted effort across the District to educate our students about bullying and violence prevention through many NEISD Departments as well as campus initiatives specific to each campuses' unique needs. -
State & Local Laws
David's Law, Senate Bill 179
Bullying means a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct. Bullying includes cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
Bullying exists when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on or off school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and a school district’s board of trustees or the board’s designee determines that the behavior:
1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or
2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
3. Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or
4. Infringes on the rights of the victim at school.
This conduct is considered bullying if it:
1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator who is engaging in bullying and the student victim through written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct; and NEISD Secondary Student/Parent Handbook 121
2. Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a classroom, school, or school-sponsored or school-related activity. [TEC 37.0832]
Board Policy FFI (Legal) and FFI (Local) address bullying in our District.
4 Types of Bullying
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Social Bullying
Social Bullying is when the actions of a person or group are intended to hurt someone's feelings, reputation or relationships and exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim.
What is Social Bullying
- Leaving someone out of an activity with the specific intent to humiliate or embarrass
- Spreading rumors about someone
- Embarrassing someone in public
What is not Social Bullying
- Equal and active engagement of all parties involved in threatening, belittling, or humiliating behaviors
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Cyber Bullying
A willful harassment and intimidation of a person through the use of digital technologies, including but not limited to, e-mail, blogs, texting, social websites, chat rooms and instant messaging. Cyberbullying can occur off school property or outside of a school-sponsored or school-related activity if the cyberbullying interferes with a student’s educational opportunity or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a classroom, school, or school-sponsored or school-related activity. Cyberbullying includes cyberstalking, which is the practice of digital forms of communication to harass a person in an aggressive, often threatening manner.
While actively participating in arguments via the use of social media or technology is not desirable behavior, it is not cyberbullying.
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Physical Bullying
Physical Bullying is when a victim is targeted with intention to hurt, embarrass, or intimidate.
What is Physical Bullying
- Physical conduct that is sufficiently severe Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student
What is not Physical Bullying
- Accidentally bumping into someone
- Isolated acts of aggressive behavior or meanness
- Mutual physical aggression between two or more
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Verbal Bullying
Verbal Bullying is when one student uses words to exploit an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator who is engaging in bullying and the student victim.
What is Verbal Bullying
- Insults
- Racist remarks
- Threats or intimidation
- Taunting
- Name-calling
- Inappropriate sexual comments
What is not Verbal Bullying
- Arguments
- Expressing unpleasant thoughts or feelings about another person
- Telling a single joke about someone
- Being bossy
- Not liking someone
