Abuse and Rape Crisis Shelter of Warren County

A person is bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.  The definition of bullying has three major components present when identifying bullying behavior:  First, it's agressive behavior, Second, it involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time, and Third, it involves an imbalance of power or strength.

There are three types of bullying behavior:  Direct Bullying, Indirect Bullying, and Relational Bullying.  To date schools in Ohio are by law required to have specific policies and procedures in place to address bullying behavior; however, these policies typically focus on direct bullying behaviors that are easily visible such as hitting, kicking, shoving, spitting, name calling, and obscene gestures.  Relational Bullying and Indirect Bullying is far more difficult to spot if you are not sure what you are looking for.  Relational Bullying is more overt such as damaging a person's reputation or social standing with peers and/or use of threats or loss of a relationship to manipulate.  A few examples of Indirect Bullying are getting another person to assault someone, spreading rumors, and social isolation.  Cyber-bullying is also considered Indirect Bullying.

Students who are frequently bullied report a variety of health problems such as often headaches, stomach pains, or sleep problems.  Students who are bullied report suicidal ideation more than non-bullied peers. Depression and suicidal ideation appears more common among children experiencing indirect bullying.  Bullying interferes with student learning, it creates a climate of fear and disrespect and students may perceive a lack of control or caring.  Research indicates that students who bully others are more likely to become involved in other problem behaviors such as criminality and drug abuse.  One study found that boys who were identified as bullies in middle school were four times more likely to have been convicted of three or more criminal acts than boys who did not bully.  Lastly, children who have witnessed repeated bullying behavior may become fearful and feel that adults are not in control or uncaring.  

Bullying prevention is the key.  Schools that have implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program www.olweus.org have seen substantial reductions in the frequency with which students report being bullied and bullying others.  There is significant reduction in students' reports of general anti-social behavior such as vandalism, fighting, theft, and truancy (which directly affects state funding "student count day").  The "social climate" of the school is greatly improved as well with the implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

All children have the right to a school environment where they feel safe and can learn to the best of their abilities.

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is available to Elementary, Middle and Junior High Schools.  Materials are provided and technical support is available to participating schools as needed.  Schools must commit to implementing the program as it is presented, without major deviations.

To have your school trained in Olweus or for additional information contact Sharon Richardon at arcs-richardson@cinci.rr.com

or phone:

• Lebanon     513-695-1985
• Cincinnati    513-925-1985
• Dayton       937-425-1985
• Franklin      937-261-1985