BSD town hall meeting takes on bullying
Parents get advice, resources on issue
Burton School District assembled an impressive panel of law enforcement and education professionals from around the county to address the topic of bullying in schools. About 75 community members gathered Wednesday at the district’s Jim Maples Academy to express their concerns and seek advice on the issue.
“We want parents to come away with resources and talking points they can have with their students about bullying,” said Irene Ortega, communication and community engagement officer for BUSD.
The panel assembled for the event consisted of Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward, Anthony Martin, director of educational services at BUSD, Gene Mendes from the Tulare County Office of Education, Amalia Johnson of the Porterville Police Department, and two student representatives from BUSD, Paris Stanley and Lexy Turrey.
The school district hosted the event in response to rising parent concern about bullying and cyber bullying.
Although BUSD staff say they have had very few reported incidents of bullying this school year, the elusive nature of the problem compelled them to hold the event to educate and inform parents about the warning signs of bullying, and how to effectively advocate and engage on behalf of bullied children.
Panel members took turns offering their perspectives on questions prepared by Irene Ortega, who moderated the event. Audience members were also encouraged to share their questions and comments with the panel.
All panel members agreed that one of the most important components of addressing bullying is to recognize the warning signs exhibited by students at home and at school.
“Some of our students have a hard time talking about things that happen to them at school,” said Mendes. “As parents, we have to keep our eyes open and know what’s going on in their lives.”
Some of the bullying symptoms the panel identified were a general withdrawal among victims, taking different routes to and from school, not participating in school activities, loss of appetite, grade changes, moodiness or acting out at home, torn clothing in the case of physical bullying, playing sick to avoid going to school, and self-harm.
District Attorney Tim Ward also noted that warning signs of cyber bullying can be found in online comments and blogs, and encouraged parents to investigate their childrens’ internet activity for clues as well.
The panel moved on to discuss the importance of becoming an engaged advocate for victims, and shared ways that the community can take action.
“What’s important for us as law enforcement is that it’s reported,” said Sheriff Boudreaux. “Bullies are good at manipulation, and they’re good at keeping it a secret and hiding it. If we can educate our students to report on behalf of those who are being bullied then that’s a great thing.”
In addition to encouraging student reporting of bullying, the panel recommended the use of reporting tools such as BUSD’S Tip Line, as well as coaching children on how to react in a bullying incident.
“Bullies want a reaction, and they will prey upon weak targets,” said Johnson. “Let your children know to remain calm and walk away from the situation-don’t give [the bully] the reaction they’re looking for.”
DA Ward expressed frustration over the limitations of current laws on bullying, which require that the act meet a specific set of criteria before law enforcement can prosecute. Specifically, threats perceived as a bullying act must be “unequivocal, unconditional, and specific.”
Sheriff Boudreaux echoed this sentiment, saying, “What’s difficult to prove in bullying is the dirty looks, the nonchalant bumping in the hallways-- it’s very frustrating for law enforcement.”
Anthony Martin noted that while penal code has its limitations, educational code identifies bullying as a suspendable and expellable offense, enabling school administrators to take disciplinary action in incidents where law enforcement cannot.
Some parents expressed apprehension that preventative measures taken by schools to engender a culture of kindness among students, such as Burton’s “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” program, might be less effective with older middle school and high school students. Others wondered how often teachers can reassure students about the benefits of reporting bullying, especially in large, overwhelming classes.
Dialogues ensued after every concerned question from audience members, but the panel’s comments were generally well received. The panel conceded that while bullying is a complex problem with many contributing factors, the community efforts are making a difference.
“If those who are being bullied know that someone is there for them, I think that’s winning half the battle,” said Boudreaux. “We’re going to continue to ask questions, but I think law enforcement, educators, and parents are doing a good job.”