FUMC Winter Study Series

Bullying-- Current Research and Ant-bullying Programs

in St. Cloud and the Surrounding Community

Sundays in 2012:  6:30- 8:30pm

February 12, 19, and 26

Study Outline

Session 1: Overview of Bullying (2/12)- Pat Welter

 · Learn definition of bullying and the magnitude of the problem.  Learn about target groups, role of the bystander and resources available for kids being bullied and their parents

 Session 2: Sherburne County's Anti-bullying

Program (2/19)- Victoria Powell

 · Learn about Sherburne County's novel approach to bullying that was developed in 2003 - kids who are repeat bullies are referred to the Assistant District Attorney.  Hundreds of bullies have stopped bullying by this intervention.

 Session 3: Anti-Bullying in St. Cloud- Panel discussion (2/19)

 · Susan Schwalek PIBS- Coordinator for District 742

· Mohadin - Career Planner at Workforce Center of St. Cloud and Board Member of the Islamic Center

About our Speakers:

 · Pat Welter- former Principle of North Junior High in St. Cloud

 · Victoria Powell- assistant District Attorney for Sherburne County

 · Susan Schwalek-PIBS coordinator for District 742 and child psychologist

 · Mohidin  Mohammed- · Catholic School representative

Some Interesting Facts

· Highest incidence occurs in grades 5-9; peaks in 7th and 8th grades

· 75-85% of school age children report being bullied by peers at some point in school career

· Bullying is associated with depression and poor school performance

· Bullies can be the "very nice, clean cut girl scout" or "boy scout"

· Target populations include: overweight youth; youth with developmental disabilities such as ADHD, Aspergers, Autism; Gay and Lesbian Youth and those of different faiths

· Suicide and mass violence can become a consequence of bullying

· Cyber-bullying is a new and pervasive type of bullying using the internet /social media such as facebook, twitter, email and U-tube and cell phones

· Bystanders can make a difference in stopping bullying