October 2019

Did You Know...this month is National Bullying Prevention Month

October 25, 2019

Bullying is real and has become an issue in schools and in the workplace. What started out with just one school five years ago has grown to numerous schools across East Baton Rouge Parish. Dr. Susan Thornton believes, “With the efforts and exposure to what bullying is as well as some of the ways to combat this ever-growing issue in our schools and community, the assistance from the LSU School of Education and its teacher candidates will help to address bullying and impact many.” This is why it’s important that we make K12 students aware early so if they see something, they will say something.

Be the change you want to see in the world!   -- Gandhi

Students will also realize that it’s better to be an upstander than a bystander, as well as how to stand against bullying. It is so much easier to train a child, than it is to repair an adult, so we must put forth every effort as we train, develop, and equip teachers for the classroom. Our teacher candidates are “Fierce for the Future” and it’s our hope they will lead by example and train, build, and develop students who will stand against bullying.

What is Bullying?

No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.   -- P. Barnum

The dictionary definition of bullying is “to use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone.” While this is definitely true, the way we interpret bullying has changed over time – mainly because the actions involved in bullying have changed as well. However, one thing remains constant – it always involves an aggressor and a victim.

When bullying first came about, it was mainly exhibited physically, verbally, and/or mentally. Children would call each other names, pressure others to help them cheat on tests, beat up their peers, or steal their property. All these instances are considered bullying, and they all still happen today; however, now we see a new form of bullying.

Why does bullying look slightly different today?

We’ve updated our social definition of bullying to include the new ways children are using digital tools to intimidate, scare, or harm each other. One major change is the emphasis on cyberbullying. Technology has made it easy to anonymously torment peers online. With the prevalence of social media, email, instant messaging, and chat rooms, the chances for bullies to strike online are plenty. Additionally, the internet provides a wider audience for abusive or humiliating posts, especially on social media websites, where often anyone with internet access can see messages and other information.

Why a Bullying Expo?

Dr. Elecia Lathon, LSU School of Education, and Dr. Susan Thornton, EBRP I CARE Program, created a Bullying Expo to provide elementary students with hands-on activities that would promote a better understanding of bullying prevention. Research indicated that 1 in 4 kids have been bullied at school. The first expo was held at University Terrace Elementary School on November 17, 2014.

The first [Stop and Go Bully Expo] was held at University Terrace Elementary School on November 17, 2014.

This educational event lasted approximately two hours from setup to finish. The Stop and Go Bully Expo continues to present to students in and around the LSU community. In Planning, Managing, and Evaluating Instruction (EDCI 4460) candidates work in pairs to create and teach one interactive lesson, including a hands-on activity which describes the forms of bullying. Elementary students are divided into groups of 5-7 students and rotate from table to table about every 15-20 minutes. Thus far, EDCI 4460 has presented lessons for the Expo at University Terrace, Polk Elementary, Buchanan Elementary, Dufrocq Elementary, McKinley Middle and Bernard Terrace. During the fall semester the students even dress up as story book characters taking a stand against bullying.

 

Topics for the Bullying Expo

• Types of bullying
• When and where bullying happens
• Bullying warning signs
• Who is at risk for bullying
• The roles children play in bullying
• Bully prevention; Bystander education
• Cyberbullying; Cybernet safety
• Bullying laws and consequences; Reporting a bully
• Resources (school, home, community) 

How can I take a stand against bullying?

Take the pledge. Here are few you may consider.

As a Kid Against Bullying, I will:

• Speak up when I see bullying.
• Reach out to others who are bullied.
• And be a friend whenever I see bullying.

The NOT IN OUR SCHOOL Pledge:

• I will not be a bully
• I will help the bullied
• I will speak up about bullying

Upcoming Conference

Save the Date

Jan. 15-16, 2020  | I CARE 7th Annual Prevention Summit

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Resources for Educators, Parents, and the Community

 

Books for Young Readers and Teens

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Written by:

Elecia B. Lathon, PhD  |  LSU School of Education and Susan Thornton, PhD  |  EBRP I CARE Program

Elecia Lathon, PhD, is an instructor and Assistant to the Director in the School of Education at LSU. She has worked in the field of education for more than twenty-five years. Dr. Lathon received UCFY’s prestigious George Deere teaching award in 2019. Her research interests focus on teacher preparation, student recruitment and retention, transitions and first year experiences, college success skills, and school safety. Dr. Lathon is a former classroom teacher and I CARE Specialist. Currently, she teaches courses in the School of Education and serves in an administrative role for scheduling, recruiting and lead instructor for introduction to college study skills. She is committed to building and developing effective teachers so our children can enter into effective classrooms every day.

Susan Thornton, PhD, is a prevention specialist in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Dr. Thornton is a decorated, 30+ year professional who has made notable counseling and development impact on the Baton Rouge community in special education, drug/alcohol and violence prevention. Dr. Thornton is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Prevention Professional and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. At the core of her mission is the motivation to see her clients and students succeed. Dr. Thornton is committed to impacting the deserving EBR students, parents and community she serves.

Additional Sources:

EBRP I CARE Program
The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention Program for East Baton Rouge Parish.