Data says bullying in schools on the rise again

23 ABC News | KERO
27 Feb 202303:08
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script discusses the pervasive issue of cyberbullying, which has become a 24/7 problem for many students, transcending the school environment with technology. Michelle Carney Ray Yoder, superintendent of Somers Point School District, New Jersey, highlights the impact of COVID and social media on bullying. The script also mentions the Renaissance School District program, which aims to foster a positive school culture, resulting in reduced disciplinary referrals and increased student engagement. The program's success is attributed to structured time and positive reinforcement, which help in building a culture of acceptance and reducing bullying.

Takeaways
  • 🔔 The dismissal bell at schools, traditionally a sign of freedom, has become a constant reminder for bullied students that torment can now follow them 24/7 due to technology.
  • 🏫 Michelle Carney Ray Yoder, the superintendent of the Somers Point School District, has witnessed the impact of bullying both as a student and a parent, and now sees it as an ongoing issue that extends beyond school hours.
  • 📉 A December study by Pew Research shows a fluctuation in the prevalence of cyberbullying among students, with 46% reporting experiences in 2022, down from 59% in 2018 but up from 40% in 2020.
  • 👧 Older teen girls are the demographic most consistently affected by cyberbullying, which has been exacerbated by the combination of COVID-19 and social media.
  • 💔 The tragic case of 14-year-old Adriana Cushing, who took her own life after online bullying, highlights the severe consequences of cyberbullying and the need for intervention.
  • 📊 The CDC reports that 30% of teenage girls have considered self-harm, indicating a significant mental health impact from bullying.
  • 🏛 In 2006, Kearney Ray Yoder School District implemented the Renaissance School District program to improve student engagement and reduce disciplinary issues through positive reinforcement and school spirit.
  • 📈 The Renaissance program has shown success, with a 33% reduction in disciplinary referrals in its first year and a 4% increase in straight A students, according to a 2019 national study.
  • 🤝 The program aims to foster a positive school culture, reducing bullying by creating a sense of belonging, appreciation, and connection among students and staff.
  • 👀 Structured time and supervision during school hours are shown to reduce bullying incidents, which often occur during unsupervised times like recess and lunch breaks.
  • 🌐 The script emphasizes the importance of addressing cyberbullying from a school perspective, recognizing its impact on students' mental health and the need for a comprehensive approach to create a safe and supportive environment.
Q & A

  • What does the dismissal bell signify for most kids after school?

    -For most kids, the dismissal bell signifies freedom to go home and relax.

  • How does the experience of the dismissal bell differ for kids who were bullied?

    -For kids who were bullied, the dismissal bell meant freedom from torment and an escape from their school environment.

  • Why does bullying persist even outside of school hours for some students?

    -Bullying persists outside of school hours due to the prevalence of technology, which allows it to follow students 24/7.

  • What is the role of Michelle Carney Ray Yoder in addressing bullying?

    -Michelle Carney Ray Yoder is the superintendent of the Somers Point School District in New Jersey, and she is working to control and address bullying both in and out of school.

  • What percentage of students reported experiencing cyberbullying according to a December study by Pew Research?

    -According to the December Pew Research study, 46 percent of students reported experiencing some form of cyberbullying.

  • How has the prevalence of cyberbullying changed from 2018 to 2020?

    -The prevalence of cyberbullying has decreased from 59 percent in 2018 to 40 percent in 2020, but it increased again to 46 percent in the study.

  • Which demographic has consistently seen the most cyberbullying?

    -Older teen girls have consistently seen the most cyberbullying.

  • What tragic event occurred in Bayville involving a fourteen-year-old girl?

    -Fourteen-year-old Adriana Cushman took her own life in Bayville after being bullied online.

  • What percentage of teenage girls have considered self-harm according to the CDC?

    -The CDC states that 30 percent of teenage girls have considered self-harm.

  • How has Kearney Ray Yoder School District addressed bullying and harassment?

    -Kearney Ray Yoder School District became a Renaissance School District, implementing a program designed to cultivate teaching and student engagement through positivity and energy.

  • What was the impact of the Renaissance program on disciplinary referrals in its first year of implementation?

    -In the first year of the Renaissance program's implementation, disciplinary referrals went down by 33 percent.

  • How did the Renaissance program affect straight A students according to a 2019 national study?

    -The 2019 national study showed that the Renaissance program boosted straight A students by four percent in the districts it studied.

  • What is the broader goal of structured time and positive reinforcement in schools?

    -The broader goal is to reduce bullying by providing students with opportunities for rewards and reinforcement, fostering connections with adults and classmates, and ensuring students feel appreciated, seen, heard, and loved.

Outlines
00:00
🚨 Impact of Cyberbullying on Students

The script discusses the pervasive issue of cyberbullying among students, highlighting its transition from school to home due to technology. Michelle Carney Ray Yoder, the superintendent of the Somers Point School District in New Jersey, emphasizes the continuous nature of cyberbullying and its escalation due to the pandemic. A December study by Pew Research indicates a fluctuating prevalence of cyberbullying, with older teen girls being the most affected demographic. The tragic case of Adriana Cushman, a 14-year-old who took her life after online bullying, is cited as a stark reminder of the issue's severity. The script also points out the correlation between increased bullying and the lack of structured time in schools, suggesting that more supervision can reduce incidents.

🌟 Renaissance School District Program

The script introduces the Renaissance School District program, implemented in Kearney Ray Yoder School District in 2006, which aims to enhance student engagement and teaching through positive reinforcement and energy. The program includes pep rallies and other activities that foster a positive school culture. According to Carney Ray Yoder, the first year of the program saw a 33% reduction in disciplinary referrals. A national study from 2019 found that the Renaissance program also increased the number of straight A students by 4%. The script suggests that structured time and positive reinforcement can help reduce bullying by providing students with a sense of belonging, appreciation, and visibility within the school community.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dismissal Bell
The 'Dismissal Bell' is a signal at the end of the school day indicating that classes are over and students are free to leave. In the context of the video, it traditionally symbolized freedom and relaxation for students. However, for those who experienced bullying, it meant an escape from torment, highlighting the negative impact of bullying on students' school experiences.
💡Bullying
Bullying is the act of using force, coercion, or threat to abuse, aggressively dominate, or intimidate others. The video discusses how bullying has evolved from a school-based issue to a constant problem that follows students even outside of school hours due to technology, emphasizing the pervasive and damaging nature of bullying in students' lives.
💡Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to bullying that takes place online, through digital devices and platforms. The video cites a study showing that 46 percent of students reported experiencing cyberbullying, indicating the widespread nature of this issue and its impact on students' mental health and well-being.
💡Superintendent
A 'Superintendent' is the chief administrative officer of a school district. In the video, Michelle Carney Ray Yoder, the superintendent of the Somers Point School District, discusses the challenges of managing and controlling bullying within the school environment, illustrating the administrative perspective on this issue.
💡Pew Research
Pew Research is a nonpartisan fact tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends. The video references a study by Pew Research that shows a decrease in the reported experience of cyberbullying compared to previous years, providing statistical context to the discussion on bullying.
💡COVID-19
COVID-19 refers to the novel coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 and caused a global pandemic. The video suggests that the pandemic, combined with the use of social media, has exacerbated bullying issues, indicating how global events can influence and worsen existing social problems.
💡Renaissance School District
The 'Renaissance School District' is a program aimed at improving student engagement and reducing disciplinary issues through positive reinforcement and community-building activities. The video highlights the success of this program in reducing disciplinary referrals and increasing student achievement, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing bullying.
💡Disciplinary Referrals
Disciplinary referrals are instances where students are reported for misconduct and may face consequences. The video mentions that disciplinary referrals decreased by 33 percent in the first year of the Renaissance program's implementation, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in reducing negative behaviors.
💡Student Engagement
Student engagement refers to the level of interest and participation students show in their education. The video discusses how the Renaissance program has boosted engagement, particularly among straight A students, suggesting that positive school culture and structured activities can lead to better academic outcomes.
💡Structured Time
Structured time in an educational context refers to periods when students are supervised and engaged in organized activities. The video notes that bullying often occurs during unstructured times like recess and lunch breaks, implying that providing more structured time can help reduce bullying incidents.
💡Acceptance and Collaboration
Acceptance and collaboration are key components of a positive school culture where students feel valued and included. The video emphasizes the importance of building such a culture to transform adversaries into peers and to create an environment that is less conducive to bullying.
Highlights

For many kids, the dismissal bell meant freedom from bullying at school, but now it follows them 24/7 online.

Michelle Carney Ray Yoder, superintendent of the Somers Point School District, has seen the impact of bullying from multiple perspectives.

Technology has made bullying a 24/7 issue that spills over into schools.

Pew Research study in December showed 46% of students reported experiencing cyberbullying, a fluctuating trend over the years.

Older teen girls are the demographic most affected by cyberbullying.

Adriana Cushman, a 14-year-old from Bayville, took her own life after being bullied online.

The CDC reports that 30% of teenage girls have considered suicide due to bullying.

COVID and social media have exacerbated bullying and harassment in schools.

In 2006, Kearney Ray Yoder School District became a Renaissance School District to improve student engagement and reduce bullying.

Disciplinary referrals in the district decreased by 33% after implementing the Renaissance program.

A 2019 national study found that the Renaissance program increased straight A students by 4%.

Structured time and positive reinforcement have been shown to reduce bullying.

The Renaissance program aims to build a positive school culture and acceptance among students.

The program helps students who have been both bullies and victims to transform into collaborative peers.

Somers Point, New Jersey, is actively working to combat bullying through innovative school programs.

Transcripts

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