It is estimated that over 100,000 students miss school each day due to the fear of being bullied. The Kansas legislature recently enacted HB 72-8256 which requires all schools to have a bully prevention policy and training for students and staff about the policy in place by January 1, 2008. Bullying has been identified by the National Education Association as a major concern in schools across the United States. Bullying also has long term implications on society. Boys who were identified as bullies in middle school were four times as likely as their non-bullying peers to have more than one criminal conviction by age 24.

Bullying can take many forms (verbal, physical, nonverbal or cyberbullying) and it may be difficult to define. The following five questions can help determine if bullying is occurring or not. Answering yes to any of the questions is an indication that bullying is indeed occurring.

1. Is there an intent to cause harm or pain?
2. Has this happened before?
3. Has this happened over time?
4. Is there a threat of future abuse?
5. Is there an imbalance of power?

If you suspect your child is being bullied, talk with them about the situation. Make it clear that bullying will not be tolerated and that it will be taken seriously. Parents should encourage their children o get involved in prosocial events such as clubs, music and nonviolent sports.

Bullying is a learned behavior. The most important thing adults can do is to model appropriate behavior and to take bullying seriously.

Jerri Kemble, Superintendent
Centre Unified School District 397