Prevention & Intervention

What is bullying?

Bullying is not a new phenomenon. It’s been around since the beginning of time. Most adults can usually recall incidents of bullying from their own schooldays. Either, they were bullied, they were the bully, or they were the bystander. For many of us, it’s not a pleasant memory. In addition, historically, bullying was thought of as “kids being kids,” “it’s normal behavior,” or “they probably deserved it.” Fortunately, in today’s world, those beliefs have changed. There’s nothing “normal” about people intentionally hurting each other and no one deserves to be bullied. It’s deviant, destructive, and wrong. Due to this paradigm shift, schools across the country take proactive measures in responding to bullying.

How do I make a report of bullying?

Students and families are encouraged to report bullying as soon as it occurs so that campus staff can take appropriate action.

• Talk to someone on campus first. The best way to address bullying is to report it directly to a trusted adult at school — such as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal or principal. Sharing your concern in person allows staff to act quickly, gather accurate information and provide immediate support.
• Submit an online report. If you’re not comfortable reporting in person, you can also submit an anonymous report online. This form allows students, parents or community members to share concerns about bullying or other safety issues.

Make a Report

Every report is taken seriously. Our goal is to ensure that all students feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

What's the difference between bullying and general conflict?

We’ve all been involved in conflicts where we lost control and said something we later regret. People engaged in a conflict want the issue to be resolved. The “back and forth” that occurs is each person trying to make the case for what she/he wants. When one or both people have the skills to resolve the dispute so both sets of needs are met, the same conflict between the same two people most likely will not be repeated. If not, conflict might possibly continue for a long time. In bullying, there’s usually not a conflict or disagreement. One person or a group of people, are targeting another individual because they can.

Sherman ISD believes that all students are unique and valuable. We want to support our students in the many challenges they face so that they can live happy, healthy lives.  

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 youth ages 13 to 18 lives with a mental condition. Depression puts a person at higher risk for suicide, which is the second leading cause of death for Texas youth ages 10 to 24. When ignored, mental health disorders can lead to life-threatening consequences. 

Sherman ISD has partnered with several local and national agencies to combat youth suicide.

• Grant Halliburton Foundation
• JED Foundation
• Peer Helpers
• Texoma Community Center

We all can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Find more information at www.988lifeline.org/help-yourself/youth/

Roughly 5 million U.S. adolescents suffer from substance or alcohol use, and 90 percent of addictions originate in the teenage years. It is vital to intervene as soon as possible to raise awareness of the risks surrounding substance abuse, and talking to your child is the first step in intervention.

Online Parent Resources (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Prescription Drugs

According to the CDC, 14 percent of students in the U.S. reported misusing prescription opioids. Prescription drug abuse can be addictive and lead to harmful health effects, and many teens receive prescription drugs from a friend or relative.

Sherman ISD partners with the Grayson County Children's Advocacy Center to provide age-appropriate lessons to help keep our students safe from child abuse. These important presentations from the Play It Safe program cover topics such as personal boundaries, potentially abusive situations and how to seek help from a trusted adult. These presentations require parent permission in order for your child to participate, so please look for information from your child's campus and complete the required form.

More Information

Report Suspected Abuse

1.800.252.5400
www.txabusehotline.org

Healthy relationships depend on communication, boundaries, mutual respect and mutual support. Friends should respect boundaries and feelings and should encourage you instead of putting you down. Conflict may occur, but that does not meant the friendship has to end. Kids must be taught healthy conflict resolution tactics such as setting boundaries, finding the underlying issues, and compromise.

As kids grow older, they may start dating relationships, and while these relationships may begin positive, they may take a turn. Teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological or emotional aggression within a dating relationship, including stalking. This occur in person or electronically and between a current or former dating partner.

Warning signs can include:

• Checking phone, email, or social accounts without permission
• Excessive put-downs, especially in front of others
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings
• Any form of physical harm
• Possessiveness or controlling behavior

Online Parent Resources (CDC)