How San Angelo ISD is Tackling Bullying

Bullies appear everywhere, from playgrounds to the hallway, public restaurants and even online. Bullying happens not only to children, but to people of all ages and different social backgrounds. In fact, a study by Yale University shows that kids who are bullied are 7 to 9 percent more likely to consider suicide. But how is the San Angelo Independent School District taking a stand against bullying?

San Angelo ISD and surrounding areas schools policies and programs

Jamie Highsmith with San Angelo ISD Public Information stated the district uses the legal state definition of bullying, which is outlined in the Education Code Chapter 37. The surrounding area schools such as Grape Creek, Wall and Water Valley follow the same code. These definitions are also restated in the SAISD Student-Parent Handbook, which every parent and student has access to on the SAID website. The definition of a bully is explained thoroughly both in behavior and conduct. It also outlines the procedures for reporting allegations of bullying along with retaliation.

SAISD is a collection of 17 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools, and within the last year, the district has had 20 documented cases of bullying. Officials believe the numbers are relatively low because of the various preventative programs they have in place, which include:

• Safe School Ambassadors
• Peer Assisted Leadership
• Steps to Respect
• Safe School Helpline
• Bully-Free Classrooms
• And other programs from the Johnson Institute and State Farm

SAISD has implemented the Safe School Ambassadors Program in their middle schools and on their freshman campus while the elementary schools have “no bullying” programs provided by State Farm. Middle schools, Central Freshman Campus and Lake View High School have trained students to be ambassadors for safety and anti-bullying practices. These ambassadors are to be models and mentors of other students and help redirect inappropriate behavior by their actions.

Elementary campuses also use a no bullying program from State Farm. Campus counselors hold sessions in classrooms for anti-bullying methods.

“Every report of bullying is investigated," Highsmith stated. "The law defines bullying. If the incident doesn’t meet the state definition of bullying, it is not considered bullying. If it meets the definition, then it is classified as bullying. Each act is addressed individually and is not necessarily compared to bullying unless the definition is met. Students who are attending events, or who are on school trips, are under the same Code of Conduct as they are during school hours and face the same disciplinary actions as when they are on a campus. Discipline for bullying will either be a long-term In-School Suspension assignment or a Student Adjustment Center assignment.”

Why Bullying is a Big Problem?

The issue of bullying has received media attention in recent years; however, lately, there have been more opposing opinions to the widespread attention given to bullying. Previous generations did not make a great deal of bullies. Many people asked, is this merely sensationalism and not something of real concern? Or is it a matter of shifting priorities? Many heinous crimes were tolerated in the past, and thanks to activism and global social awareness, they are now condemned.

Despite this activism and education efforts, bullying remains a national problem.

According to the iSafe Foundation, schools across America harbor at least 2.1 million bullies, and 27.8% of High School students were bullied at school. More than 7% of high school students reported being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property at least once in the last year. An additional 6% admitted to bringing a weapon to school for protection.

According to a report published by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Department of Education in 2014, 70.6% of young students have seen bullying at school, and 30% of them admitted to bullying others.

Bullying has proven to vary with age and grade.

Reasons for Bullying

Understanding the motifs behind bullying behavior can help parents and teachers teach children how to refrain and combat bullying. The more information parents, teachers, and school administrators have, the fewer bullying incidents will occur.

• 11% show off for their friends
• 14% want to be mean
• 21% are out to embarrass their victim
• 28% use it for entertainment
• 58% are trying to get back at the victim for various reasons
• 58% feel the victim deserves it
• 16% have other reasons

The above statistics are nationwide statistics.

For more information on bullying please visit www.nobullying.com and stopbullying.gov.

For more information on San Angelo ISD and surrounding schools, please visit:

http://www.saisd.org/

http://www.wallisd.net/

http://www.grapecreekisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=1

http://www.wvisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=1