In light of the teachers and parents play an important role in preventing students from becoming victims of bullying.
In 2010, the Washington State Legislature passed a law that prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in the schools. In August 2011, each school district, including Peninsula School District, was required to adopt an anti-bullying policy. Click here to read the PSD's policies.
According to Stopbullying.gov, here are some warning signs to be aware if your child is being bullied:
- Unexplainable injuries
- Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
- Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
- Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
- Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
- Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
Kids may be bullying other kids if they:
- Get into physical or verbal fights
- Have friends who bully others
- Are increasingly aggressive
- Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
- Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
- Blame others for their problems
- Don’t accept responsibility for their actions
- Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity
For more information on anti-bullying, go to Stopbullying.gov.
