CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. School Bullying: What It Is and Why It Hurts
2. The Role of Bullies, Victims, and Witnesses
3. Factors Contributing to Bullying and Violence
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Treatment For Children and Adolescents
6. Prevention and Intervention
7. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Case Studies
Fact Sheets
References
Resources

The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

Module Content Objectives Mental Health Counselors Assessment/Screening -- Functional Behavioral Assessment -- Behavioral Problem -- Behavioral Plan Assessment Techniques Understanding the Nature and Scope of Problems Other Indicators Talking With Kids Referring Students to a Mental Health Professional -- Warning Signs of Bullying/Victimization -- Bullying Characteristics Depression -- Signs of Depression in Children and Adolescents Anxiety Disorders Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents Alcohol Use Disorders (Mainly in Adolescents) -- Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse Sampler of Assessment/Screening Tools Summary Quiz

Referring Students to a Mental Health Professional

The following guidelines can be used when working with students who have repeatedly been victimized by bullying, are victims of domestic violence, or have been subject to an incident of school violence. In making a referral, teachers need to stress that it is not a sign of parents' failure if they are not able to help the child themselves. It also is important to realize that early action will help the child resume his or her normal school activities faster.

A child's ability to deal with the stress may depend on the form of victimization or the nature of the crisis. A child who is abused at home will likely suffer additional trauma if bullied at school. That child may have insufficient coping skills to handle the stress both at home and at school.ref

Preschool and Elementary School

Consider referring the student/family for professional help if the child:

• Seems excessively withdrawn and depressed
• Does not respond to special attention and attempts to draw him/her out
• Begins to display regressive behaviors (thumb sucking, soiling clothes) for extended periods of time
• Exhibits extreme signs of anxiety, such as excessive clinging, irritability, eating or sleeping problems, for more than 1 month

Middle and High School

Consider referral to a mental health professional if the student:

• Is consistently unfocused and disoriented
• Is severely depressed or despondent or shows agitation, restlessness, or pacing
• Shows signs of self-mutilation
• Seems unable to take care of his or her appearance (bathing, changing clothes, eating, etc.)
• Repeats ritualistic acts
• Uses drugs or alcohol
• Is unable to make simple decisions or carry out everyday functions
• Shows excessive preoccupation with one idea or thought -- especially one that is violent to self or others