Bullying is a reality that most schools face, and there are often misconceptions about what bullying actually is. Educating ourselves and our students on the difference between conflict, a mean moment, and bullying is crucial.
At WCA, our definition of bullying aligns with the State of Colorado: "Bullying is the use of coercion or intimidation to obtain control over another person or to cause physical, mental, or emotional harm to another person. Bullying can occur through written, verbal, or electronically transmitted expressions (i.e., cyberbullying) or by means of a physical act or gesture. Bullying is prohibited against any student for any reason, including but not limited to any such behavior that is directed toward a student on the basis of their academic performance or any basis protected by federal or state law, including disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or the need for special education services, whether such characteristic(s) is actual or perceived."
When discussing bullying with your students, it is best to be proactive—reminding them to tell their trusted adult at school immediately if they experience or witness the behavior. Remind students that they will not be in trouble for telling an adult. If your child experiences a situation they feel is bullying, reinforce that they can walk away, ask the person to stop, and/or use humor to defuse the situation. If your student witnesses someone else being a target of bullying behavior, encourage them to be an upstander, step in, and/or report it to the school immediately.
Throughout the month, our students will continue to create positive connections with peers and learn about the different types of bullying, resiliency, and safe ways to report situations. In this month's advisory lessons, students will learn more about trusted adults and safe and anonymous ways to report situations of concern to the school. Students will also be attending a Safe2Tell assembly, and we will be kicking off another great year of Sources of Strength.
Lastly, as shared in the previous Counselor’s Corner, middle school students had their first "crews" experience, with activities like speed-friending and teamwork. It was a big hit—be sure to ask your student about it!