Dear Lisbon Families,
Happy October! In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Mrs. Taylor would like to take this time to educate our LES community on impacts of bullying, signs of bullying, and how the school counseling program is involved in the prevention of bullying.
Did you know…
..Students who are bullied report more physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach aches, and mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, than other students?
...Students who bully others can also be negatively affected by the behavior with higher rates of physical and emotional health issues?
...Bullying directly affects a student’s ability to learn? Students who are bullied often do not want to go to school. They may find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth.
How can you identify a situation that is considered bullying?
Conflict between students is inevitable, but it’s not always easy to identify whether it is bullying or mean/rude behavior. Understanding the difference is essential so we know how to respond. Here are a few key points to consider when determining if something is bullying:
Rude - Accidentally hurting another person’s feelings
Mean - Hurt is intentional/purposeful but not part of a larger pattern or a mismatch
Bullying - Repeated, harmful, and involves an unfair power match
All of these behaviors require attention. Addressing mean/rude behavior early can help prevent a student from turning their behavior into a pattern of bullying.
If you are unsure if behaviors meet the criteria for bullying, please contact Mrs. Taylor or administration to consult.
If you believe your child is a victim of bullying, please complete a BCHI online reporting form
The School Counseling program is actively involved in bullying prevention through our classroom lessons, small group sessions, and individual check-ins. Topics and strategies that may be introduced by us that promote peaceful and productive social interactions and conflict resolution are (but not limited to):
- Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Development of cultural competence and acceptance of differences
- Intervention strategies for bystanders
- Effective communication skills
- Cultivating positive staff and student relationships
- Appropriate use of technology and social media
Mrs. Debra Anoff, Principal
Mr. Bradley Scobie, Assistant Principal
