Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention

OUSD BP 5145.3 Nondiscrimination/Harassment

The Oceanside Unified School District believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions.  “No student shall be subject to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying while on school grounds, going to or from school, using school transportation, (or) at any school sponsored activity.”

Most children have an innate desire to feel that they belong and are accepted by their peers.  The District supports the preservation of dignity for all in a safe and positive learning environment.

Victims

It can be very upsetting to find out your child has been a victim of bullying.  Parents can help their student these ways:

• Listen carefully to your student’s complaint of the bullying event
• Assist or have your student write down the details of the incident – including identifying the offenders, if possible
• Make an appointment to meet with a teacher, counselor or school administrator to report the incident
• Work with your school staff and your student to find solutions to manage and resolve bullying situations

Helping Your Student

• Encourage your student to make friends.Join a club, try out for a team, band, choir, drama, etc.Being part of a team with a group of friends can help build your student’s confidence and self-esteem and may make it more difficult to be singled out for bullying.
• Avoid being alone in areas where bullying has taken place.Students may find open classrooms or visit libraries during lunch and other times, where they may be near an adult.
• Help your child cope with difficulties by listening to their concerns, asking them to suggest ideas that might help, and talking about their positive strengths and qualities, so that they can be part of the solution to help deal with difficult situations.

“The Board desires to prevent bullying by establishing a positive, collaborative school climate and clear rules for student conduct.”

Bullies Need Help, Too

Studies have found that bullies may have social or home issues that have encouraged bullying behavior.  Children that bully may have feelings of insecurity that lead to a desire for a position of power.  They may believe that intimidating or hurting others can impart that feeling of power.  They may have come from home situations where they witnessed or were victims of bullying themselves.

• The District provides instruction that promotes communication, social, and empathetic behavior skills.
• It’s important to identify students who engage in bullying so students may receive counseling and intervention to assist them in attaining social and academic success.
• The District has resources available to help At-Risk students and their families.
• Early intervention and redirection can help students to avoid disciplinary consequences and disruption of academic opportunities.     

Cyberbullying & Sexting

“When a student is suspected of or reported to be using electronic or digital communications to engage in cyberbullying and/or sexting against other students or staff,”…(he/she) “shall be subject to discipline in accordance with district policies and regulations.”

Cyberbullying has often had a devastating effect on the victims – acts of violence (shootings) or suicides have been linked to cyberbullying.  These include messages that are hateful, threatening, or contain harmful matter with an intent to seduce, and may include the use of cameras or other electronic devices.

Students often feel their messages are personal and anonymous because a malicious text may be created in an isolated, private environment.  However, the reality couldn’t be more different – the messages are easily shared and read by vast recipients who may be deeply affected by what’s written.  The offending author may send a hurtful message electronically that they would never consider saying in a face to face encounter.

Similarly, students may become victims of sexual predators or risk humiliating invasion of their privacy when they are enticed to engage in “sexting” or sending explicit photographs of themselves via digital media.  Again, a false sense of privacy can mislead students into thinking that their personal photos will remain confidential and secure. Sexual predators often pose as teenagers and develop “friendly” correspondence which will escalate to pressure on students to post nude or compromising photos of themselves online.  These predators may use blackmail and threaten to expose the pictures to family or the public.  Other times, relationships gone sour may result in vindictive posts that blast these revealing photographs to punish and humiliate.

Resources

• Parent websites may offer opportunities for parents to share ideas. Check out Sunshine & Hurricanes.
• Check out the District Web page, Oceanside Unified School District, “OUR SCHOOLS”. Each site has a Safe School Plan with information and policies.
• The Student/Parent handbook, which is printed in both English and Spanish, has a section on Student Conduct. Copies are available at site offices or the ESS (Educational Support Services).
• On the District home page, “YOUR BOARD” has adopted Board Policies and Regulations.

• The California Department of Education website has a section on “Bullying & Hate-Motivated Behavior Prevention – School Environment”, “Frequently Asked Questions” and other related articles.
• Additional questions may be directed to:

Dr. Jordy Sparks, Director of Student Services
ESS-Educational Support Services
2080 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, Ca  92058
(760) 966-7826

Intimidación / Acoso cibernético

What is Cyberbullying?

According to commonsensemedia.org, "Cyberbullying is the use of digital-communication tools (such as the Internet and cell phones) to make another person feel angry, sad, or scared, usually again and again.  Examples of cyberbullying include sending hurtful texts or instant messages, posting embarrassing photos or video on social media, and spreading mean rumors online or with cell phones.

If you're trying to figure out whether your kid is being cyberbullied, think about whether the offender is being hurtful intentionally and repeatedly.  If the answer is no, the offender might simply need to learn better online behavior.  If the answer is yes, take it seriously."