Bullying Prevention

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power. Most often, it is repeated over time.  School bullying takes on many forms, and it is done by both girls and boys. A recent U.S. study shows that 17 percent of all students reported having been bullied “sometimes” or more often. This amounts to almost one in five students.

 What To Do

Mount Carmel Area Board Bullying Policy

If a student feels they are being bullied or have witnessed bullying, please complete the  Bullying Incident Report  and return to your teacher or administrator.  A Bullying Guide For Parents produced from the Highmark Foundation contains more information and parents.

Cyber Bullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology.  Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.  Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.  If you are a victim of cyberbullying anywhere, it should be reported to authorities so it can be addressed.  Be sure to inform the school using the Bullying Incident Report.

More Information

Mount Carmel Area School District has implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (pronounced Ol-VEY-us; the E sounds like a long A). Olweus is a proven research based program designed to reduce bullying at the elementary, middle and junior high levels. MCASD is also participating in the gathering of data for implementation at the high school level. According the the Institute of Family and Neighborhood Life, a public service of Clemson University,” the program’s goals are to reduce and prevent bullying problems among school children and to improve peer relations at school. The program has been found to reduce bullying among children, improve the social climate of classrooms, and reduce related antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism and truancy.

May 1, 2012 – U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently announced the re-launch of the Stop Bullying website www.stopbullying.gov.  This newly revitalized site encourages children, parents, educators, and communities to take action to stop and prevent bullying.  The website includes detailed information on state laws, policies, and practical strategies for schools and communities to ensure safe environments, and suggestions on how parents can talk about bullying with their children.  The site also explores the dangers of cyber bullying and steps that can be taken to fight it.