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5/ TheBucknerClarion.com October 23, 2014 'Bully Busters' Ft. Osage Students Get Serious About Bullying Of the young adults that remain enrolled in school, 160,000 skip daily to avoid being bullied. Before efforts can be made to reduce these incidents, it is critical that youth and adults fully understand the definition of bullying. Bullying is repeated and intentional aggressive behaviors or actions performed by individuals, singularly or collectively, to others that cause physical, emotional or mental harm. Several studies also recognize "a group phenomenon," the act of bullying performed by multiple individuals rather than one-on-one confrontations. Categories of Bullying Bullying occurs within a series of three frameworks – physical, verbal and social. The three categories, though different in means of transmission, will often overlap one another in specific incidents involving the same individuals. Therefore, more often than not, a child who is being abused is suffering in multiple areas of mental and physical health. Physical bullying is exactly as it sounds – the abuse of others through physical violence. Hitting, shoving, tripping or kicking are common physical actions used by aggressors. Of the three, this is the least common. Verbal abuse is when the aggressor threatens, mocks or uses malicious language to demean others. This is among the most common form, as it is usually the hardest to prove. Many verbal assaults result in a battle of he-said/she-said, if reported at all. Social bullying leverages technological advances in society. The Internet, cell phones and social media sites are the most common channels for this form of abuse. Lasting effects of bullying Regardless of the type of abuse, all categories have short-term and long-term effects. While some injuries are visible, others alter the victim's mental state and can have a severe effect over time. A study reported by stopbullying.gov found persistent exposure to bullying affects the psyche of youth and adolescents resulting in feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion and despair. The study further states these emotions can lead to lower self-esteem, anxiety and depression. These emotions, if untreated, can lead to an increase in suicide and suicide attempts, warn a Yale University study. The study found victims of bullying to be up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide. "Some parents don't realize how much harm bullying can do to a child – and that sometimes their response to that child is not helpful," said Dr. Rochelle Harris, a child psychologist at Children's Mercy Hospital. "I've heard every excuse from parents including, 'You don't have to take it; go back and punch them,' to 'Just ignore it, pretend it doesn't happen.' Ignoring is a sophisticated skill that's difficult for everyone, much less a child," Harris said. So what can parents do if their child is being bullied? Prevention for adults, children and schools The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Safe Communities, recommends parents take a proactive approach with their children when discussing bullying. The following are some key points to consider: ● Teach children to be assertive in their body language and speech. In some scenarios, simply standing tall, holding eye contact and firmly telling a bully to stop will cease the altercations. Role playing with a child may also prepare them to handle situations and build their confidence. ● Model socially appropriate behaviors with your spouse or partner, child and strangers in public. If examples of bullying occur in your surroundings, talk to children and explain why hurting others is never okay. ● Assist in empathy development. This can be done by simply asking your child how he or she thinks a particular action or behavior would make someone else feel. ● Monitor online communications, social media sites and cell phones. ● Encourage children to use constructive problem solving By Jessica Mauzey (Continued from page 1) and recognize positive interactions with others. The majority of experts and studies conclude the key point to reducing bullying is a school environment that is open to communication between children or adolescents, their parents and school personnel. "The most effective approach is the whole-school approach," Harris said. The whole-school approach is a collaborative effort that includes communication and intervention from parents, caregivers, educators and faculty. Beyond communication, it is also essential for schools to enforce a clear and understandable policy. This policy needs to specifically define bullying as well as outline consequences for violations. In turn, it is imperative the school and/or caregiver of the bully enforce consistent consequences for violations. This method has been shown to be most effective in nurturing environments that allow the victim to voice their concerns in a safe environment. As for Bully Busters, the program had approximately 100 students from fifth and sixth grades at its first meeting of the school year in September. During the meeting, the members took a bullying pledge and began to learn the basics of the program, which is supervised by Veith and fellow counselor Marandi Diehl. The group immediately kick-started their first fundraiser, selling Bully Buster t-shirts. Members meet once monthly and officers meet weekly. Each meeting is designed to teach new methods of prevention, peer-mediation skills, as well as creative ways to increase awareness. "It is important to let children know that reporting an incident is not tattling but rather a way to keep their peers safe," Veith said. "We also encourage students to stand up to bullying in a positive manner when they see it occur." The program has come a long way in two short years. "We noticed kindness has spread throughout the school since Bully Busters. Students are becoming more polite and less rude," Hirschi told The Examiner.

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