Bullying
This issue continues to be a problem at school and even off campus. As leaders, it’s important that we keep an eye out for this harmful activity.There are four common types of bullying*:
- Verbal: cruel spoken words, name-calling, threatening, disrespectful comments.
- Physical: aggressive physical intimidation, hitting, kicking, tripping, blocking, pushing, touching in unwanted and inappropriate ways.
- Relational: exclusionary tactics, deliberately preventing someone from joining or being part of a group.
- Cyber: haranguing someone by spreading mean words, lies, false rumors through emails, text messages, social media posts.
Appropriate Touching
All staff training and orientation should include the topic of appropriate touching. Explain to employees, volunteers, and children what good touch and bad touch is, as well as what your personal zones are and what to do if someone does not touch you appropriately. Proper instruction will help ensure that each staff member will handle child interactions in the right manner. Educate children on what appropriate touch means and what to do when someone violates the rules.Use ARM’s Appropriate Touch Safety Guide to help ensure all staff and children at your local school know just what to do, and what not to do.
If there is a child who has suffered from abuse or inappropriate touch, use ARM’s tips on how to talk with, help, and protect children.
Child on Child Sexual Abuse
There’s a new enemy on the playground. Child-on-child sexual abuse is a trend that is growing as the predator is now a school classmate, neighborhood friend, or church friend.Use ARM’s tips on how to handle child-on-child abuse cases the right way. These cases have an impact on both the victim and the perpetrator. It’s important to know which guidelines to follow to assist in the healing process and next steps for both parties.
Be sure to include these three areas in your local school’s staff and child orientation to ensure a safer school year.
Missed part one? Check it out now and learn about safety for the morning commute, quality supervision, playground practices, and getting the kids home safely.
