National Bullying Prevention Month

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The following information is from PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center website and Denver Public Schools website.

National Bullying Prevention Month

“Prevent Childhood Bullying and Promote Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion.”

Hamilton Middle School is committed to the provision of a safe, anti-bullying environment free from harassment and intimidation that promotes personal growth and positive self-esteem for all.

Recognizing Signs of Bullying

“Bullying occurs repeatedly and over time, and can occur through written, verbal or electronic means or by a physical act or gesture.

Being the victim of bullying can cause many problems for children including lower self-esteem, depression, anxiety, physical illness, absenteeism, lower grades and thoughts of suicide.” (DPSK12, 2019).

Ways parents can help:

• Listen
• Believe
• Be supportive
• Be patient
• Provide information
• Explore options for intervention strategies
• Ask open-ended questions

What are some warning signs?

Warning signs can include:

• Torn, damaged, or missing clothing, books, or belongings.
• Unexplained bruises, injuries, cuts, or scratches.
• Isolation from peers/ no friend to share time with.
• Fearful about attending school, riding the bus, or walking to or from school.
• “Illogical” walking routes to or from school. 

What to avoid:

• Telling your child to stand up to the bully
• Telling your child to ignore and avoid the bully
• Taking matters into their own hands

What to do if your child is a victim of bullying (DSK12, 2016):

• Teach your children to tell a trusted adult in the school and at home.
• Talk with and listen to your child. Engage your child in conversation about what is going on and refrain from freaking out. Make sure your child is and feels safe.
• Focus on your child rather than the bully.
• Never tell your child to ignore the bullying.
• Don’t blame your child for being bullied or assume that your child did something wrong.
• Work with your child’s school. Seek the help of administrators if the target and aggressor go to the same school.
• Contact the police when physical threats are involved.
• If necessary, seek counseling. Your child may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional. Children may prefer to speak with a third party who may be perceived as more objective.

Anonymous tips on bullying can be sent to Safe2Tell at 1-877-542-7233.

What you can expect from Hamilton . . . 

1. Hamilton will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students every year. 
2. All school employees or volunteers who witness or have firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student are required to report the incident as soon as possible, but no later than 2 days after the incident. 
3. School employees or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident to the building principal or designee for further investigation and action.
4. The investigation shall be completed within 10 school days of the date the report of bullying was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation.
5. All reports will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law.
6. Students who participate in bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the district’s discipline code.