# data[].attributes.body
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

# data[].attributes.body
Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs.

Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:

Unexplainable injuries

Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry

Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness

Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem

Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

# data[].attributes.body
Kids may be bullying others if they:

Get into physical or verbal fights

Have friends who bully others

Are increasingly aggressive

Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently

Have unexplained extra money or new belongings

Blame others for their problems

Don’t accept responsibility for their actions

Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Bullying - Animated

# data[].attributes.body
TOMP Out Bullying® is dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying, and other digital abuse, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/external

When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.

Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.

https://www.fldoe.org/safe-schools/bullying-prevention.stml

Florida Bully Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Voted No. 1 tourist destination 2015

effective solutions on STOMP Out Bullying® is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying and other digital abuse, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. STOMP Out Bullying promotes civility, diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. It teaches how to respond to all forms of bullying, as well as educating kids and teens in school and online. It provides help for those in need and at risk of suicide, and raises awareness through peer mentoring programs in schools, public service announcements by noted celebrities, and social media campaigns.

A pioneer on the issue, STOMP Out Bullying® is recognized as
the most influential anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization in America and beyond.

Our Story

In 2005, STOMP Out Bullying was born with the passion and commitment to help all youths in need. Our founder and CEO, Ross Ellis, never wants to see another child in pain, and she never again wants to hear the words, "I want to die."

15 year-old David, was severely depressed due to being bullied. He had been called every possible name one could imagine. He didn't want to go to school, he quit extra-curricular sports. On the days that he did go to school he stayed in his room when he got home and shut his family and friends out. David was surfing the Web and found STOMP Out Bullying. He started reading our "Are You Being Bullied?" page and read about the comebacks. He learned to successfully use the comebacks which helped to make the bully stop victimizing him. Today, David is empowered and enjoys going to school. This is just one of millions of ways we have made an impact on the lives of America's students.

Our Impact

* Helping over 5.5 million students resolve Bullying and Cyberbullying situations

* Assisting over 100,000 students and saving over 2,000 lives through the STOMP Out Bullying HelpChat Crisis Line

* Through our various support networks we have saved a total of 6,000 lives. These numbers increase daily.

* Working with over 45,000 school partners to raise awareness and educate students

* Over 20 Youth Leaders working to change the culture in schools across the country

Our Manifesto

We have always been an organization for kindness. The types of problems we tackle may have changed over the past decade,
But our passion has never wavered.
Ours is a higher purpose.
We work so that youth may stand tall and be respected. With our help, youth are kinder.
Schools are more inclusive.
Communities have more equality.
Society has more unity.
So that, a culture of cruelty can
become a culture of civility.
So we devote ourselves to breaking down barriers, we give voice to the voiceless.
We give belonging to those feeling left out.
We welcome diversity and inclusivity.
We work shoulder to shoulder in unity.
We empower the fearful to be fearless in this pursuit. And together we will find the answers, to change the culture, for good.

WAYS TO HELP

NEWS

In light of this important day, Billboard, with the support of STOMP Out Bullying, asked artists to send a much-needed message of love and a call to action to end bullying in schools.

Ross was selected as one of "100 Making A Difference" along with notable celebrities and changemakers in a book by celebrity fashion photographer Jon Russo.

Have Made a Commitment to be an UPSTANDER and to STOMP Out Bullying®

It's not just a donation...

When you donate online to STOMP Out Bullying®, you join our cause and directly support kids and teens. No matter how little or big the amount, donating makes a difference in the lives of our youth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
STOMP Out Bullying® | Cyberbullying & Bullying Prevention

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The leading anti bullying nonprofit, STOMP Out Bullying® is dedicated to changing student culture, reducing & preventing bullying, cyberbullying & other digital abuse. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.body
When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior they send the message that it is not acceptable. Research shows this can stop bullying behavior over time.

Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Components of State Anti-Bullying Laws and Regulations

What are the Florida laws and regulations that cover bullying?

How are bullying and cyberbullying defined in Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations?

Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations include the following definitions of bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment:

"Bullying" includes cyberbullying and means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve:

1. Teasing;

2. Social exclusion;

3. Threat;

4. Intimidation;

5. Stalking;

6. Physical violence;

7. Theft;

8. Sexual, religious, or racial harassment;

9. Public or private humiliation; or

10. Destruction of property.

"Cyberbullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photoelectronic system, or photooptical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

"Harassment" means any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer software, or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that:

1. Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property;

2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or

3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school.

Fla. Stat. § 1006.147 (2016)

Do Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations cover cyberbullying that occurs off-campus?

Yes. Florida anti-bullying laws cover off-campus conduct if bullying substantially interferes with or limits the victim's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by a school or substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of a school.

What are the policy requirements for schools to prevent and respond to bullying behavior?

Florida school districts must adopt a policy prohibiting bullying and harassment of a student or employee of a public K-12 institution. District policies must be in substantial conformity with the Department of Education's model policy and must contain key policy and procedural elements, including, but not limited to:

Statements prohibiting bullying and harassment;

Definitions of prohibited behavior;

Descriptions of the type of behavior expected from students and employees;

Statements of the consequences for a student or employee who commits an act of bullying or harassment;

Procedures for reporting and investigations;

Procedures for parent notification and notification to all local agencies where criminal charges may be pursued;

Procedures for referring victims and perpetrators for counseling and regularly reporting to a victim's parents any actions taken to protect the victim;

Statements of how the policy will be publicized within the district.

Florida state law requires districts to review the policy at least once every three years. Districts must also establish a procedure for including incidents of bullying and harassment in school safety and discipline reporting.

Do Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations include protections for specific groups?

No. There are no specific groups listed under Florida anti-bullying laws or regulations. The law states that the school district's bullying and harassment policy shall afford all students the same protection regardless of their status under the law. Districts may establish separate discrimination policies that include categories of students.

Florida schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.

Do Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies?

Yes. Florida school district policies must include a list of programs authorized by the school district that provide instruction to students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers on identifying, preventing, and responding to bullying or harassment, including instruction on recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventive action based on those observations.

Do Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to train teachers and other school staff on how to respond to bullying incidents?

Yes. Florida school districts policies must include a list of programs authorized by the school district that provide instruction to students, parents, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers on identifying, preventing, and responding to bullying or harassment, including instruction on recognizing behaviors that lead to bullying and harassment and taking appropriate preventive action based on those observations.

Do Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying?

Yes. Florida school district policies must include a procedure to refer victims and perpetrators of bullying or harassment for counseling, and a procedure for regularly reporting to a victim's parents the actions taken to protect the victim.

Do Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations involve parents in efforts to address bullying behavior?

Yes. Florida school districts must involve students, parents, teachers, administrators, school staff, school volunteers, community representatives and local law enforcement agencies in the process of adopting and review the policy.

Florida school district policies must include a procedure for providing immediate notification to the parents of a victim of bullying or harassment and the parents of the perpetrator of an act of bullying or harassment, as well as notification to all local agencies where criminal charges may be pursued against the perpetrator.

For More Information

Visit the Florida Department of Education's " Bullying Prevention" webpage and/or view the Florida state model policy on bullying and harassment.

The key component framework used in the analysis of state laws is based on the review of legislation presented in the " Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies - December 2011 " (U.S. Department of Education).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Florida anti-bullying laws and regulations include the following definitions of bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment: "Bullying" includes cyberbullying and means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students and may involve: 1. Teasing; 2. Social exclusion; 3. Threat; 4. Intimidation; 5. Stalking; 6. Physical violence; 7.

# data[].attributes.headline
Implementing an Anti-Bullying Program in your Schools

# data[].attributes.subject
Implementing an Anti-Bullying Program in your Schools

# data[].attributes.body
Creating and sustaining an anti-bullying climate in schools requires a comprehensive approach that involves continuous professional development, peer support, and active supervision. Here’s how you can implement each of the following strategies to ensure the success of your anti-bullying program:

1. Intervisitation

Facilitate regular intervisitation sessions where principals and teachers visit other schools to observe best practices in anti-bullying initiatives. These visits should focus on identifying effective strategies, fostering collaboration, and sharing ideas.

2. Monthly Principal Support Groups

Establish monthly support groups for principals within the district, where they can discuss challenges, share successes, and brainstorm solutions related to bullying prevention. These meetings can be held i -person or virtually.

3. Principal Peer Coaching

Pair principals with a peer coach to provide one-on-one support, guidance, and feedback on their efforts to lead and sustain an anti-bullying program. Coaching sessions can include discussing strategies, reflecting on leadership practices, and setting goals for improvement.

4. Supervisory Walk-Through

Regular supervisory walk-throughs focused on monitoring the implementation of anti-bullying policies and practices in the school. During these walk-throughs, administrators should observe interactions, review documentation, and provide immediate feedback to teachers and staff.

5. District Institutes

Organize district-wide institutes or workshops focused on anti-bullying strategies, where principals and staff from all schools can come together to learn from experts, share experiences, and develop new skills. These institutes can be annual or bi-annual events.

6. Principals’ Study Groups

Form study groups where principals can collaboratively explore research, case studies, and evidence-based practices related to bullying prevention. These groups can meet regularly to discuss readings, share insights, and plan the application of new knowledge.

7. Individualized Coaching

Provide individualized coaching for principals and key staff members to address specific challenges in implementing the anti-bullying program. This coaching can be tailored to the unique needs of each school, focusing on areas that require additional support.

Implementing these strategies helps to create a robust and sustainable anti-bullying climate in schools. Intervisitation, monthly principal support groups, principal peer coaching, supervisory walk-throughs, district institutes, principals’ study groups, and individualized coaching each play a critical role in fostering continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability. Together, these practices ensure that the anti-bullying program remains effective and adaptable, contributing to a safe and supportive environment for all students.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Standing Against Bullying: Start With 3 Simple Questions  | Matt Purcell | TEDxYouth@MoriahCollege

# data[].attributes.headline
How Leaders can create Anti-Bully prevention program in their schools.

# data[].attributes.subject
How Leaders can create Anti-Bully prevention program in their schools.

# data[].attributes.body
Leaders can transform a school or community for the better and ensure success for both students and educators. He or she will not only have the traits of an effective leader but also the administrative skills to match. This may mean having extensive experience educating or working within the community. It might also mean expanding his or her education with graduate school.

School-Wide Expectations

Everyone in school should know what it means to be respectful. They should know what it looks like and how it feels to be respected. On the other side, they also should be able to identify if, when, and how someone else’s behavior is inappropriate. School-wide definitions help everyone stay consistent.

Signals and Routines for Unwanted Behavior

Building on the school-wide foundation of expected behavior, all students should know the signal and routine to let someone know their behavior is unacceptable and needs to stop. The signal is something anyone can use anywhere, anytime. It’s short, easy to remember, and easy to do.

Responses to the Stop Signal

When a student signals a behavior is unwanted and needs to stop, other students need to know how to respond. Students should be taught appropriate responses that are calm and responsible.

Recruiting Help

The last routine to teach is how students can recruit help from an adult when they experience bullying, harassment, or intimidation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bullying Prevention Strategies and Resources

# data[].attributes.body
1. Active Supervision and Monitoring

Practice: Ensure that all staff are actively supervising students during unstructured times (e.g., recess, lunch, hallways) and in areas where bullying is most likely to occur.

Activity: Regularly circulate through high-risk areas and engage with students to deter bullying behaviors and observe student interactions.

2. Consistent Enforcement of Anti-Bullying Policies

Practice: Apply the school's anti-bullying policies consistently across all situations, ensuring that consequences are fair and appropriate.

Activity: Respond immediately to any bullying incidents by following the established protocols, documenting the incident, and reporting it to the appropriate personnel.

3. Modeling Respectful Behavior

Practice: Demonstrate respectful, inclusive, and empathetic behavior in all interactions with students and colleagues.

Activity: Engage in positive communication with students, using language that promotes kindness, respect, and acceptance.

4. Conducting and Participating in Anti-Bullying Education

Practice: Participate in and facilitate ongoing anti-bullying training and education for both staff and students.

Activity: Deliver classroom lessons or activities focused on bullying prevention, empathy development, and conflict resolution. Additionally, attend professional development sessions on these topics.

5. Providing Support to Students Involved in Bullying Incidents

Practice: Offer immediate and ongoing support to both victims and perpetrators of bullying, ensuring they receive the help they need.

Activity: Conduct regular check-ins with students who have been involved in bullying incidents to monitor their well-being and ensure that appropriate support plans are in place.