School district says time to get tough with bullies

Bullies beware. The Las Virgenes Unified School District is on a mission to reduce the incidence of child against child victimization at school.

At the request of the board of education, Assistant Superintendent Mary Schillinger studied bullying at local schools and how teachers and administrators have responded. Schillinger presented the school safety report to board members last month.

In the report, Schillinger defined bullying as "verbal, physical and/or psychological behavior that is intended to cause harm." To be considered bullying, the behavior has to be repeated often and over time. And "there needs to be an imbalance of power, either physical or psychological," she said in the report.

While the district has a standard for appropriate behavior between students, subtle bullying is often hard to detect. Schillinger told board members that every school in the district follows recommendations from the Counseling and Student Support office of the California Department of Education.

The report's recommendations include playground supervision and monitoring of students in hallways, restrooms and the cafeteria, areas identified as "hot spots" for bullying. Lupin Hill Elementary School in Calabasas has been in the news recently over allegations of bullying/sexual assault in school bathrooms.

Two years ago, Agoura High School faced a sexual assault lawsuit alleging that administration officials failed to protect a special education student who had been sexually abused by another student for more than 14 months. In 2000, the school district paid a $25,000 settlement to a former Agoura high student who said school officials failed to punish students who had bullied and harassed her that year.

"This is a growing problem," said Superintendent Donald Zimring.

Schillinger said every school has implemented an anti-bullying plan. Schoolwide assemblies raise awareness among students, and staff development days are periodically used to train teachers about how to reduce bullying incidents in their classrooms.

A schoolwide rule- "No Put Downs, No Name Calling"- is found in many of the Las Virgenes schools, according to the report. Consequences for breaking the rule are understood by students, Schillinger said.

Protect whistleblowers

A valuable tool to combat bullying in schools is to establish a confidential reporting system. Anyone who has been bullied, or who has witnessed a bullying incident, is encouraged to make an anonymous report to administrators, Schillinger said.

In addition to enforcement of rules, schools are expected to provide activities to build self esteem in students. By showcasing student talents and hobbies, administrators hope to reduce the likelihood of victimization.

Board member Cindy Iser said "too often we blame the victim," that teachers often say the person victimized needs to make friends, or needs to speak up. Also, Iser said, "I don't think it's a child's fault if he doesn't want to be friends with certain groups."

While Schillinger believes teachers and administrators have implemented many anti-bullying programs, her research revealed that many students don't feel safe at school.

Scared in middle school

The "Safe and Drug-Free Schools" report indicates the middle school period is the most difficult time for students.

The percentage of students who felt "very safe" at school is on the rise, but is not optimal. In 2001, only 25 percent of ninth grade students felt "very safe" at local schools, compared to 60 percent of fifth grade students.

By 2005, the numbers had improved; about 30 percent of students felt very safe at school in grades seven, nine and 11.

Fifth-grade students felt the safest. More than 60 percent of fifth graders responded that they feel very safe at school.

Local school staff members were asked if harassment or bullying is perceived as a severe to moderate problem. Forty percent of middle school teachers answered "yes."

In elementary school, only 10 percent of teachers felt that bullying was a problem.

'Safe' all the time

When asked if they just felt safe, versus "very safe," more than 60 percent of fifth grade students reported that they feel safe all of the time, but 5 percent responded that they never feel safe.

Anti-bullying programs are plentiful at local schools- there are too many to list.

The "Peaceful Player Program" trains fourth and fifth grade students to provide conflict resolution and game leadership to students in kindergarten through third grade.

The Steps to Respect Program helps students to recognize, report and prevent bullying in elementary school.

Incentive programs have been successful, Schillinger said. "School Stamps" are issued for acts of kindness, talking out problems or walking away from conflict. Good sportsmanship is also recognized.

Some counselors and administrators have attended the "Mean Girl Conference," and according to the report all schools are committed to the Safe and Drug Free Schools program.

In middle school, several strategies have been implemented to reduce bullying. Speakers are invited to school assemblies to discuss intimidation and prejudice using literary characters.

Student forums on bullying and sexual harassment are also conducted and eighth grade students are connected to high school coaches who serve as positive role models.

High school transition programs are offered at Agoura and Calabasas high schools.

Other programs available at campuses include "Bridging the Gap," a parent education series, and "Rachel's Challenge," a legacy of 1999's fatal shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado, which promotes tolerance and compassion. Students are also encouraged to join school clubs.

"We are doing an outstanding job addressing it at all schools," said Sandi Pope, copresident of the Las Virgenes Educators Association. She said the statistics about feeling safe might not be significant if only a small number of students were interviewed.

Bullying 'autopsy' needed?

Board President Terilyn Finders said she appreciated the comprehensive report, but wasn't convinced the data will actually help individual children.

"I just can't help but think that this won't make the little boy who gets teased all day long feel better," Finders said.

She called for Schillinger to interview families of children who've been bullied to determine which programs worked and which had no impact.

"It would be a bullying autopsy, so to speak," Schillinger said.