Hi, I actally was a member a few years back and even posted a bit, but during one of the upgrades I couldn't log in one day and ended up just lurking for awhile.

About 3 years ago maybe there was a great thread on bullying. People commented on what their school's policies were. One person said that their school had a hotline where any child that was being bullied or observed bullying could call annonymously. Another poster said they had a guidance class of some sort that kids could write down kids that were bullying others and teachers looked at the lists and kept an eye on those kids. There were other great ideas and It was a great thread.

I thought I had saved it but can't seem to find it. When I signed up again this morning I did a search but it doesn't seem to be there. I did read the recent thread, I think it was titled "Do you think your child is an angel".

A little backround, I am in a small town and there is not much in the school handbook about bullying, maybe 3 lines. There was a zero touching rule that went into effect a couple years ago that of course can only be enforced when teachers are monitoring it. There is a section about cyber bullying because a highschooler was expelled 2 years ago for having a hit list on Myspace. I don't know what the exact details were, however I wonder what led to the kid even having a hit list,kwim?

So anyway I was wondering if anyone can either work their magic and find a 3 or so year old thread or give your great examples of how your school deals with bullying.

Thanks so much!

Is your child be bullied ? what exactly are the details ?

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I can go into more detail about my 12 year old son's situation later. I am heading out for the rest of the day. I am very interested in other schools' policies on bullying because of his schools lack of any credible and accountable policies. I want to arm myself with good information and ideas for the superintendent. Thanks

I work for Broward Schools, here is our policy.

Anti-Bullying Policy

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Our school teaches that bullying is wrong and has a zero tolerance. That said, the bullying must be seen by a teacher in order for something to occur and kids are sneaky. Mine are in elementary school though. I know bullying in middle school is worse.

Here is the "official" policy for the entire district: http://thompson.k12.co.us/About_Us/BOE/db/j/JICDE.pdf
I am actually going into the school once it starts to talk with them about some issues my son brought up after school was already out. Things that a now retired teacher was privy to and did nothing. I do not want it to re-occur.

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They should still be there, most schools have a summer staff (including the admin). I wouldn't wait until school starts. If your district has an bullying policy and the teacher didn't follow it (retired or not) it's an issue. Or, at least it would be if it was my child.

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It wasn't a serious issue but an issue none the less and I'm not sure our issue was a bullying issue per say. I guess it's all in how you look at it. It's more of a fairness issue dealing with talking proper turns during PE in games like kickball,etc.My son (as well as many others), are not getting their turns as the "kids who are good" always cut to the front and keep taking multiple turns. I know this happened a lot when I was a kid but I'm not sure it's a bully issue in the schools eyes but in my son's eyes, the school preaches "everybody belongs" and then the PE teachers lets this happen.

I really want to talk to the new teacher about it as well as the principal. I mentioned it to the admin but she also recommended speaking to the teacher and principal at the new school year but she would make a note of it. I know the new teacher isn't around until a couple weeks before school (transferring in).

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Please keep in mind that girls 'bully' differently than boys, but it can have an effect on boys too. Boys can be 'bullied' by girls too or sometimes manipulated, I guess. Often, many disputes or fights are over girls or involve them somehow. Our school had a wonderful female Guidance Counselor that really helped our new principal get a handle on a bunch of middle school girls that were bullying by exclusion, being really 'clique-y', and nasty and using the internet, but it didn't really cross the existing No Bullying rules the school had. Things have changed since we were in school......

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This isn't a 'bully issue' in anybody's eyes unless your son is being hurt, threatened, or physically intimidated into letting them cut in front. It just sounds like a fairness issue to me and it was going on when I went to school.

Why do you want to talk to the principal, administration, AND the teacher for something so minor? What ever happened to teaching your child to speak up? He doesn't have to start a war - a simple "I didn't get a turn" will make the PE teacher notice him. How's he ever going to learn how to handle himself if you rush in to save the day every time? Why can't your son just speak up right then or talk to the PE teacher after class and tell him or her that he wants to play too? This is a good opportunity for the boy to learn how to handle a problem and it's a skill he'll need when he's grown.

There's plenty of time to get involved if the PE teacher refuses to help but why not let your son try to fix the problem first? It's better for the boy to handle it himself, if possible.

We have been trying to teach our son to speak up for himself. In most other situations, it is okay. I guess it could be physical intimidation...I don't know. In any case, the PE teacher sits in his office while the kids play so saying "I didn't get a turn" won't get noticed. Yes, I realize these things have been happening forever. I also realize what happens to the kids who say "I didn't get turn" after class

I have never rushed in to save my child. I know plenty of parents who do. I am simply wanting to enlighten the staff about the issue, especially since it breaks their school policy of "everybody belongs" (of which I don't believe we have when I went to school, at least as a school motto). Granted, my DH and I did discuss this and told our son he needs to see how the first week goes and then if it continues, talk with the new teacher and if that doesn't resolve it then we'll get involved. We have done role playing, etc to help build his confidence. The kids *cutting* in line are bigger children. 2 of them as big as me at age 10. My son is small. I know he feels physically intimidated by them getting all up in his face. I remember those times as a child as well. Like I said, depending on whose viewpoint it is, it is bullying and with some, it won't be. I had a family member who went through hell in school, especially during PE and it started out like this (what's going on with my son). I think I have a right to be concerned.

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