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Bully Prevention

Bullying Poster

Bullyingposterupdated (PDF)

Bullying Parent Flyer

BullyingParentFlyer (PDF)

Effective bullying prevention requires a collaborative effort from parents, schools, and communities to create safe and supportive environments for all children.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Volusia County Schools is dedicated to our students achieving lifelong academic, behavioral, social and mental health success. It is the policy of the Volusia County School District that all students and school employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from bullying, harassment, or discrimination of any kind.

Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment, as defined herein, is prohibited. Issues regarding discrimination and harassment against students and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, age or disability shall be dealt with under School Board Policies 507 and 509. Volusia County School Board Policy 525 prohibits bullying and harassment of any kind against students and employees.

Bullying prevention involves strategies and actions aimed at stopping bullying before it starts and addressing it effectively when it occurs. Key components include:

  • Education and awareness for all children, parents and educators.
  • Creating a positive environment that promotes respect and kindness in schools, homes, and communities.
  • Empower students to be an upstander. Speak up and stand up for themselves and others.
  • Provide support systems and access to support systems: including but not limited to resources for victims and bullies, anonymous reporting systems, and access to safe adults students can go to for help when needed.

What is Bullying? What are Signs of Bullying?

Bullying is intentional, aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Behaviors are repeated, or have the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying can cause significant emotional, psychological, and physical harm to the victim. It can take many forms, including:

  • Physical Bullying: Hitting, kicking, or pushing.
  • Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, teasing, or making threats.
  • Social Bullying: Spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, or embarrassing someone in public.
  • Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.

Signs a Child Is Being Bullied

Signs a Child Is Bullying Others
  • Unexplainable injuries: Frequent bruises, cuts, or scratches.
  • Lost or destroyed belongings: Missing or damaged clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry.
  • Physical complaints: Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or faking illness.
  • Changes in eating habits: Skipping meals or binge eating; coming home hungry.
  • Sleep issues: Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares.
  • Academic problems: Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school.
  • Social withdrawal: Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations.
  • Emotional distress: Feelings of helplessness, decreased self-esteem, or self-destructive behaviors like running away, self-harm, or talking about suicide.
  • Aggressive behavior: Getting into physical or verbal fights.
  • Association with bullies: Friends who bully others.
  • Disciplinary issues: Frequent visits to the principal’s office or detention.
  • Unexplained possessions: Extra money or new belongings without a clear source.
  • Blaming others: Not accepting responsibility for their actions.
  • Reputation concerns: Being overly competitive and worried about popularity

Strategies and Tips for Parents to HelpParents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. It is important to learn what bullying is and is not, how to recognize warning signs that your child is involved in bullying (i.e. being bullied, bullying others, or witnessing bullying), how to collaborate with schools, and how to communicate with your child about the situation and seek help.

If you suspect that your child is being bullied, don't panic. Your key role is listening, calming and providing reassurance that the situation can get better when action is taken.

  • Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do. Try and establish the facts.
  • Assure them that the bullying is not their fault and that they have people that will support them. 
  • Don't encourage retaliation to bullying - such as violent actions. Reacting that way has negative and unpredictable results-they may be hurt even further. Suggest to walk away and seek help.
  • Find out what happens next. Help your child identify what they want, what choices they have and what skills they may have to help solve the problems.
  • Discuss the situation with your child's teacher or administration. Ask about steps that can be taken to receive help and support.
  • Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and self-esteem.

 

Volusia County School District Policies

 

Helpful Links & Resources