Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Happy Sunday evening to you & welcome to #IAedChat! I’m excited about the topic tonight on #IAedChat - Bullying and Harassment Prevention & Best Practices!
Good evening! Terese Jurgensen signing in - Education Consultant for Iowa Department of Education. Looking forward to collaborating and learning from everyone this evening! #iaedchat
Good evening, everyone! Dan Butler, principal of #eesbobcats in Western Dubuque Schools. Excited to join you and moderate tonight's conversation with @townsleyaj and @DuffysClassroom#IAedChat
My tweets for the next hour are dedicated to #IAedChat. In my role, I’m not in just ONE system, so my answers will focus on my time in the classroom and my own personal children. #IAedChat
Q1: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=no problem & 10=big problem) How do you see the issue of bullying (in all forms) affecting the daily positive learning environment at your school? #iaedchat
A1: At my kids’ schools they do a lot of teaching about empathy at the elementary schools so it’s a lower number. Social media kicks in at middle school and the number gets bigger. #IAedChat
A1: I would rate a 2. I am so thankful that our school community cares for each other and kids are willing to stand up to something that isn't right. Incidents here and there but overall, a positive, inclusive school that is not burdened with behavior or bullying. #iaedchat
A1: This is tough b/c for majority of Ss, our data shows this to be a 1-3 on any given day. But for those who are being bullied or perceive they are being bullied or ignored, it can be a 9 or 10 for them. But our data would say our MS is about a 3-4. #iaedchat
A1: This is tough b/c for majority of Ss, our data shows this to be a 1-3 on any given day. But for those who are being bullied or perceive they are being bullied or ignored, it can be a 9 or 10 for them. But our data would say our MS is about a 3-4. #iaedchat
A1 I think it is a problem of 7 with regards to social media being the starting point. I think more "traditional" in school forms is not an issue. I really do not hear of it starting any other way then social media #iaedchat
Q1: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=no problem & 10=big problem) How do you see the issue of bullying (in all forms) affecting the daily positive learning environment at your school? #iaedchat
A1: Anytime a student doesn’t feel safe and secure it will impact their day!
At my kids’ schools they do a lot of teaching about empathy at the elementary schools so it’s a lower number. Social media kicks in at middle school and the number gets bigger. #IAedChat
A1: Emphasis on standardized test scores and deemphasized SEL. Schools seldom take tame to systemically build community and focus on exclusion to deal w/ behavior. These things only increase likelihood of bullying behavior #iaedchat
Yes, grades 5-7 or even 5-8 is where Bullying behavior and issues really seems to peek. Seems to coincide a lot with onset and height of puberty and newness to technology. #iaedchat
Q1: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=no problem & 10=big problem) How do you see the issue of bullying (in all forms) affecting the daily positive learning environment at your school? #iaedchat
A1: I’m thinking a 3 just because of social media and middle school. That being said I’ve learned that the majority of things described as bullying is really not bullying (per definition) and the words gets thrown around all too much. #IAedChat
Social media. Yes, that really steps it up in a big way. My own personal kids and several other kids don't have social media and they don't see nearly as many issues. #IaedChat
A1: Anytime a student doesn’t feel safe and secure it will impact their day!
At my kids’ schools they do a lot of teaching about empathy at the elementary schools so it’s a lower number. Social media kicks in at middle school and the number gets bigger. #IAedChat
A1: One situation related to bullying is too many. I feel that our students embrace each other for the most part and we intentionally teach about the importance of being kind, empathetic, and compassionate. #iaedchat
A1 - anytime someone doesn't feel safe -- it should raise our concern levels and actions plans should be implemented...there are so many things we can do to hep people feel safe and connected #iaedchat
A1 I think it is a problem of 7 with regards to social media being the starting point. I think more "traditional" in school forms is not an issue. I really do not hear of it starting any other way then social media #iaedchat
Q1: On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=no problem & 10=big problem) How do you see the issue of bullying (in all forms) affecting the daily positive learning environment at your school? #iaedchat
A1 #IAedChat 7-8, with so many means to bully, it’s hard to monitor/manage! Additionally, the definition of bullying is so broad it can’t be easily defined! District police departments in TX are limited in terms of what they can do. Complicated problem effecting ALL!
A1: I would say a 3 or 4. I don't see it so much in the primary grades where I spend most of my time, but I think by middle school and HS there may be some instances. I feel our school works quickly to resolve the issue. #iaedchat
A2: We will begin our S2 on Tuesday with a refresher on bullying/harassment to all 520 students via small groups (20/teacher). We do this at start of year as well. I try to make sure Ts know importance of listening to students and stepping in if they see something. #iaedchat
A2 PBIS, second steps curriculum, four different counselors/pysch, advisory like class, Signs of Suicide presentations, and various other community supports #iaedchat
A2:
Counselor has done lessons once a month in our 5th grade classrooms.
DARE- local law enforcement comes in an teaches a 10 lesson course to 5th graders.
Classroom meetings
#IAedChat
A2 On a proactive side our school has @GGrizleads who are Ss who are active in all areas of the school culture They have done things with bullying & having Ss a part of that is powerful #iaedchat
A2: restorative practices - help build community and foster relationship building through circles. Also gives voice to victims and teaches problem solving skills. Focus is on repairing harm rather than excluding offender #iaedchat
A2 we put a focus on being mindful and live by an acronym of Honorable, Upstanding, Kind, Equipped. Respectful. When we talk to kids we use these words in our questions to them. It is recited daily. We also work a lot on conflict resolution when individuals have issue #IAedChat
A2: I feel like we've got a lot going in the right direction. I would love to utilize our counselor more with regular guidance lessons. PBIS has been huge for us and kids respond well. It's staying ahead of whatever may be on the horizon that could impact kids. #iaedchat
A2: We will begin our S2 on Tuesday with a refresher on bullying/harassment to all 520 students via small groups (20/teacher). We do this at start of year as well. I try to make sure Ts know importance of listening to students and stepping in if they see something. #iaedchat
A2: We are working to fully implement a PBIS system, our guidance counselor gives elementary lessons once a week, I teach social skills to my first graders once a week-the staff works to be visible and accessible to students who my be having a problem. #iaedchat
A2: I’ve said this before but I’m not so certain it’s about bullying prevention, but teaching empathy for others and how to advocate for oneself and others are great strategies or supports for our students. #IAedChat
A2: Our media specialist teaches digital citizenship to all the students once a week on appropriate tech use. This coupled with our PBIS system has really cut down on the negative behavior. #iaedchat
A2 Many Ss know mean/bullying beahvior can't always be stopped, but they want to be heard. They want to know someone cares for them. Our staff knows this and tries to be a voice/an ear. Also, focused on this w/Ss....reach out to those who have been target. Ask if ok. #iaedchat
A2: We are striving to create an environment where students and staff members are valued and feel as though what they think, what they say, and what they do matter. Our trauma-responsive approach focused on a relationship-driven culture has helped to shape this. #IAedChat
A2: restorative practices - help build community and foster relationship building through circles. Also gives voice to victims and teaches problem solving skills. Focus is on repairing harm rather than excluding offender #iaedchat
A2: We have a core belief of kindness prevails and we use that to guide what we do. We are also working on building empathy and embedding SEL into everything we do. When harm occurs we focus on a restorative approach to heal. #IAedChat
A2: We are working to fully implement a PBIS system, our guidance counselor gives elementary lessons once a week, I teach social skills to my first graders once a week-the staff works to be visible and accessible to students who my be having a problem. #iaedchat
A2. I do a weekly quote with announcements and teachers discuss in the classroom. Also a couple times a year I meet with my intermediate students and talk about bullying and have shown some moving YouTube videos. #IAedChat
A2: this year we’ve started community circles in all of our classes- giving S’s an opportunity to share about themselves & hear from others has helped develop relationships, care & concern for other S’s #iaedchat
A2: language is important. Labeling people as bullies or having “stand up to bullies” campaigns can be harmful. People bully because they feel lack of connection, efficacy or competence. Let’s focus on building these skills and opportunities and building community #iaedchat
A2b we also focus on these topics through weekly lessons for students and our counselor often has activities she does in our classrooms each quarter #IAedChat
WATCH: @Lin_Manuel breaks into tears after we surprised him with a heartfelt message from his 8th grade teacher.
"I wrote a musical instead of doing my homework... He said, 'You could be good at this... you should be doing this."
#HamiltonPR@HamiltonMusical
A2: language is important. Labeling people as bullies or having “stand up to bullies” campaigns can be harmful. People bully because they feel lack of connection, efficacy or competence. Let’s focus on building these skills and opportunities and building community #iaedchat
Q3: 80% of bullying or harassment occurs when there are only students (not adults) present. This also includes online/social media presence. What efforts is your school doing to implement Student Voice - upstanders, not bystanders? #iaedchat
A2 #IAedChat We host an Anti-bullying program for 6th graders each year. We involved counselors for support and stress the need to report to adults so that follow-up can be provided. We also focus on Kindness and reward it daily! Character Counts is next!
A2: This was a video we showed at start of year when talking about Bullying behavior and how you can stop it. Video shows how easy it can be to stand up for someone. Sometimes, you don't even have to speak. Just getting them away can be big help. https://t.co/9pLDD73WR9#iaedchat
A2. Building relationships, S,P,and T reporting things, Anti-bullying talks and rallies, Counselors doing lessons. T modelling empathy to S in classroom. #iaedchat
A3: When talking with kids around the issue of bullying, we've used the language of being upstanders rather than bystanders and the emotions they may feel when they step up and speak out. However, empowerment is a beautiful thing. #iaedchat
A3 we don’t do enough in this area. We do ask students to ask that students stop in a kind way and if it doesn’t we ask them to report it but we need to do more. What are some of you doing? #IAedChat
A3: great question! Makes me realize how we don’t focus on that as much as we do the actual behaviors. We do a lot of character discussion on the announcements- I’ll be adding some info in this week about that topic! #iaedchat
A3: We talk a lot about "if you see something, say something". We have report forms & talk about how it doesn't need to be the target who reports it, but a friend/peer can report. We added an SRO to district & he is a go-to for Ss for outside school issues. #iaedchat
A3: Upstanders… I love this term. We need kids to advocate for themselves and others in relation to bullying, harassment, and peer pressure. It’s hard. We need to make sure kids know it’s OK to stand up. #IAedChat
A2. Building relationships, S,P,and T reporting things, Anti-bullying talks and rallies, Counselors doing lessons. T modelling empathy to S in classroom. #iaedchat
A1 revisited: I decided to ask my sons, aged 16 and 11 this question to see if I was out of touch with the older students. I was happy when they both rated it a 1-2. I sometimes worry as teachers we don't see what we don't want to see. #iaedchat
Q3: 80% of bullying or harassment occurs when there are only students (not adults) present. This also includes online/social media presence. What efforts is your school doing to implement Student Voice - upstanders, not bystanders? #iaedchat
What we say and do has tremendous impact Sometimes we don't know those outcomes, but incredibly special when we do find out how what we've done &/or said has made a difference years later or even moments later - thanks for sharing @johncarver#iaedchat
WATCH: @Lin_Manuel breaks into tears after we surprised him with a heartfelt message from his 8th grade teacher.
"I wrote a musical instead of doing my homework... He said, 'You could be good at this... you should be doing this."
#HamiltonPR@HamiltonMusical
A3: I think teaching the students about appropriate digital etiquette in this tech class has really helped affirm to the kids how important it is to stand up when someone is bullying. #iaedchat
A3: Upstanders… I love this term. We need kids to advocate for themselves and others in relation to bullying, harassment, and peer pressure. It’s hard. We need to make sure kids know it’s OK to stand up. #IAedChat
A3: Continue to teach kids to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching. This is easier said than done. Students need to be taught the skills in what to do when something happens that is not ok. #IAedChat
A3: a huge part of this comes from building a culture of trust in a school. Kids aren’t afraid of being upstanders when there is a deep understanding of the harm of the behavior and the importance of treating others kindly & fairly. This comes through building empathy! #IAedChat
A3 Another support that has helped this year is our Student Assistance Program (contract outside school counseling through EAP services). Former School counselor works for SAP & came in and ran small group on coping skills/conflict. His lessons really helped some. #iaedchat
A3.2: Our school culture has been making a shift towards helping the kids understand how to address and affirming when they stand up against bullying behavior.#iaedchat
Q4: If there is an issue with bullying/harassment in schools, what are your policies/procedures for students, staff or families to find help? #iaedchat
A3. Working with Ss, teaching them to use their voices, tell someone if a problem is going on. Teach Ss to advocate for their needs by asking. #iaedchat
A3 I've done a lot of reading on Empathy and lack of Empathy by today's youth (Unselfie). Finding ways/lessons/methods to build empathy is key. Involves all staff. Just having literacy teachers use/read books that build empathy can really help (Wonder, etc.) #iaedchat
It's important to teach our students to not only stand up to the bully, but to support & reach out to the target. As educators, we know all of these kids needs support, care & skills to become healthy adults! #iaedchat
A3: We are having Mobile Mama come and talk to classes about online citizenship. We also work to build relationships and community, so that students feel comfortable reporting. #iaedchat
A4. We train students to go to trusted adult. This can be anyone, but we recommend including counselor and/or principal. Parents, we preach the same. Once reported, a district-wide form is filled out. Asst. principal leads investigation. #iaedchat
A4:
Starts with a student telling their teacher; followed by the teacher talking with the counselor (and principal). Counselor takes it from there, and teachers support where needed.
#IAedChat
Q4: If there is an issue with bullying/harassment in schools, what are your policies/procedures for students, staff or families to find help? #iaedchat
A4 Our first line of defense is for students to ask them to stop and tell them why, if it persists tell and adult immediately, at this point we try to mediate between the kids. #IAedChat
A4: We have some intricate procedures but we try not to change the day of the one who got bullied if we can help it. Their day shouldn’t be changed and they should feel safe. The soonest we can do restorative work the better, always. #IAedChat
A4: We have routes for parents or students to share concerns. An investigation process then takes place. Any result is followed up and communicated to those affected. If it continues other avenues are pursued. #iaedchat
A4: We have routes for parents or students to share concerns. An investigation process then takes place. Any result is followed up and communicated to those affected. If it continues other avenues are pursued. #iaedchat
A4: One way is that students need to have a trusted adult to talk to. How can we make sure all of our students in our system have at least that one person? #IAedChat
A4: We have the students fill out a form with the guidance counselors. This starts the process where admin get involved and an investigation takes place prior to a resolution. #iaedchat
#iaedchat#oklaed TCS is about to "step through the looking glass” and transform teaching and learning! Would LOVE to connect, collaborate and create! https://t.co/LuYaYnw5h2
Q4: If there is an issue with bullying/harassment in schools, what are your policies/procedures for students, staff or families to find help? #iaedchat
A4: we have a district bullying report form we complete that includes parent contact for both S’s. depending on behavior, classroom or office consequences may apply- T’s are notified & the S being bullied determines how they’re most comfortable reporting in the future #iaedchat
A4.2: In our school, like so many of you, we strive to make sure that every student has at least one caring and loving adult that they can turn to for support. #iaedchat
A4: #iaedchat We have recently added an additional phone line to provide students to report bullying/harassment at our school in addition to telling a staff member.
Q4: If there is an issue with bullying/harassment in schools, what are your policies/procedures for students, staff or families to find help? #iaedchat
A4. For a S to report it to an adult. The T in classroom tries to mediate and remedy the situation. If it gets worse, then it goes to the principal, who will handle it. Then a P can take it to the B.O.E.. #iaedchat
A3 #IAedChat Visibility is CRITICAL throughout the school day. We have increased efforts to have Adults visible at ALL transitions and over-monitor lunches, dismissal, etc. We encourage parents to strictly monitor social media engagement!
A4: We have a form on our school website for families.The school counselor can also help students fill out the form. I believe there is an investigation into the complaint . Most times, it is handled before this point by teachers, students, counselor, etc. #iaedchat
#iaedchat Our world has dramatically changed because of technology, how we communicate and how our students learn and communicate - we need to lead by example and teach our students how to navigate this social world
Q5: Cyberbullying has become a huge issue. How do you or your school differentiate between dealing with this or not dealing with this issue during the school day? #iaedchat
#iaedchat Our world has dramatically changed because of technology, how we communicate and how our students learn and communicate - we need to lead by example and teach our students how to navigate this social world
This is so important. I LOVE when a student comes to my office and I ask if they have an adult who they connect with and they immediately name a teacher or staff member and smile. I know this student will be okay most days b/c of this.
A5: This is a tough one. Regardless of where the cyberbullying happens (home or school), it will have a negative effect on the student and impact them in some way. I think it would be tough to not address an issue just because it didn’t happen from 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM. #IAedChat
A5: We address anything that affects the school day. So if something happens online outside of school but kids are affected by it while at school we work through it! #IAedchat
A5: I've been lucky since being back in elementary admin to not have as much of this. When I was a MS principal, it was a struggle. When it impacts the learning environment, I intervene. Sometimes alerting parents to what's on their kids' device can be met w/shock #iaedchat
A5:
I have taught lessons on cyberbulying. We talk about how if it takes place out of school, they need to talk to their parents. If there is a student who it is majoring negative effecting during the school day, I will ask our school counselor to step in. #IAedChat#IAedChat
Q5: Cyberbullying has become a huge issue. How do you or your school differentiate between dealing with this or not dealing with this issue during the school day? #iaedchat
A5: we still investigate to the best of our ability, especially if it spills over into school (which it generally does)... we almost have to do more work with other S’s at school because sometimes they’re the ones that spread info around which causes more issues #iaedchat
A5 A tough question for many schools. Our policy is to deal w/any issue that affects school day regardless when it happened. Most comes in via my office. I try to help solve/conflict resolve but if I can't, then it usually becomes bigger issue and we work w/it more. #iaedchat
A5: I'm actually unsure at my current school. When I taught HS, I remember anything that involved mention of a staff member, student, or the school was a trigger. I'd hate to assume it would be similar now, but not sure. I'll find out! #iaedchat
And w/Social Media/texting, it is so tough to deal w/other Ss. Issue spreads like wildfire. Sometimes, you luck out and it spreads quickly and burns itself out. But it is amazing how quickly issue can blow up due to rapid spreading during school day. #IAedChat
A5 this is a hard one to deal with things to consider are if it happens inside or outside of the school day or on a school account or device. Has it carried over into the school. #IAedChat
A5: When things start working their way into the learning environment, then it becomes our business to investigate and work through the situation. My experience has been limited as an elementary administrator. #iaedchat
A5: Just like other issues that are beyond our school’s walls, if it is affecting our students in a negative way, we are going to do our best to help. Cyber bullying should be addressed in schools but parents must also be part of the process to end it. #IAedChat
A5 Many times, it falls into category of "Cyberdrama", 2 or more students beging mean to each other online. No clear bully/target, but behavior is still negative and not what we want. Still deal w/it if becomes a school issue, which again most do. #iaedchat
A4 #IAedChat Any report, be it anonymous or through an automated system, triggers an investigation. The AP takes over and involves the counselor if needed and ALWAYS parents!
Q6: How are you, or an administrator(s) in your school district, ensuring that thorough investigative procedures, appropriate supports & consequences are being conducted according to Iowa Code 280.28 for the safety of all students when a complaint is filed? #iaedchat
No matter what, where, when we have the privilege of making these situations moments to learn from. There must be depth to these conversations with kids. #iaedchat
A6: on our bullying report form there is information about what needs to be coded on a student record (if bullying is based on certain criteria)- our admin uses the student code of conduct for our district to determine the consequence #iaedchat
A5. Ss receive lessons in cyberbullying. Teachers have @goguardian to see what Ss are doing on internet projects and work. If a Ss is caught, the T will handle it, or possibly the Principal may handle it. I've also known Principals to report accounts on social media. #iaedchat
My hope is that I am teaching my students to be decent human beings whether online or in reality. My goal is for them to carry social skills with them as a life skill. #iaedchat
A6 I know we take our B&H investigations very serious. Steps taken to make sure all voices heard before decision made. I tell Ps/Ss that Bully vs. Not Bullying decision isn't most important finding. But if something is not right, do we address it and make it safer #iaedchat
A6: Read the code and follow the code. Make sure that policies, procedures, and practices are in line to start and follow through that the code is followed. #IAedChat
Q6: How are you, or an administrator(s) in your school district, ensuring that thorough investigative procedures, appropriate supports & consequences are being conducted according to Iowa Code 280.28 for the safety of all students when a complaint is filed? #iaedchat
#iaedchat Important to remember there are two victims in Bullying, the one bullied and the one doing the bullying. Two important parts to the equation!
A6. Parents of those affected notified at start and end of process. Many times, temporary or more permanent safety procedures/changes are made. And data of our yearly B&H reports, findings, etc. shared with students, staff, school board, and state. #iaedchat
A6: Make sure there is follow through. Talk with the kids and make sure they're heard. If you were the parent of a child being bullied or being the aggressor, you'd want to know the process was fair and followed through. #iaedchat
A7: Teachers need to be know and infuse #SEL into their classrooms. Everyone needs to utilize restorative work to heal. I’ve also started reading about Nonviolent Communication and this is a game changer for all of us. These proactive things will cause less bullying! #IAedChat
A7 I believe all staff need and benefit from training on how to step into conflict & possible bullying situations. And how to help target by empathetically listening, and advocating. These 2 are huge. Parents need education....but how? #iaedchat
A7: Continued education for staff, students, families, and the community.💡 Parent education nights to understand bullying vs. peer conflict and school policies, updating our district website to have this information accessible, and ongoing lessons for students. #iaedchat
A7: Create school communities that support identifying and meeting student needs. Too often we wait until the behavior has happened and then hope the punishment stops it. This happens through intentional relationship/community building and teaching/integrating SEL #iaedchat
A7 Our counseling team is in beginning steps of planning a Technology safety night in a couple months. Did a Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Night last year. Had 100 in attendance (but only about half were parents). Hoping to get Parents to this important night. #iaedchat
A7: I think SEL training is key. All behavior is communication. If a student is being aggressive, staff can learn to address underlying causes while helping to manage the behavior itself. #iaedchat
A7: kids need empathy skills, parents need to know how to empower their own kids to speak up/believe in themselves, T’s need to be sure to take all reports seriously & schools need to have a good reporting/follow up process... so, a little bit of everything for everyone #iaedchat
A7: IMO we must continue to address the social/emotional needs of our students with the same vigor that we address their academic needs. We must be about the whole child while focusing heavily on connection. Student to student, staff to student, community. #IAedChat
A7: Cyber safety resources and knowledge, problem solving skills, communication skills, and modeling kindness I would also like to see education on the true definition of the word bullying. Like other trends, words lose their meaning or power when used for everything. #iaedchat
A5 #IAedChat If it occurs during the school day, it is dealt with! If outside of the school day, we assure, to the best of our ability, that we will not let it spill over into the school day. We want students to “LOVE” school! They can’t when stressed!
A7: Understanding ACES and the function of the behavior. Respond to all with care. There is something at the root of what is happening. You may be the adult they need. #iaedchat
Thanks to tonight's participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @duffysclassroom!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/q8mtcjVIo3
A7: Understanding ACES and the function of the behavior. Respond to all with care. There is something at the root of what is happening. You may be the adult they need. #iaedchat
Thank you, #iaedchat and all of the participants this evening for sharing your thoughts, insight & experiences. They are greatly valued & appreciated! Dan, Andrea & Nick - thank you for an awesome job leading our discussion.
Thank you to the #IAedChat team of moderators - @danpbutler, @townsleyaj, and @duffysclassroom. Be sure to also follow some of the new friends you met tonight to continue the conversation & grow your PLN.
#iaedchat Bullying, the challenge is to teach our kids what they on the news is NOT the way to act. Forcing your will over/on some else is not good. The kids are NOT DUMB! Do as I say and not as I do does not work! #modelpositvebehavior!
