Bully Free Montana: Bullying Information, Resources, and Support
Bullying can come in many different forms throughout one’s lifespan, and unfortunately can often be perpetrated by those in our lives who are supposed to show us kindness or at least neutrality. These individuals could be classmates, friends, family, or even ourselves on occasion. Confidence-building, healthy boundary development, distress tolerance, and de-escalation skills, can aid in reducing the impact of cruel treatment from others, but when it comes to bullying, especially for school-aged children. It can be helpful to understand resources and advocacy as well, even starting with educating oneself as to how bullying is defined by Montana Code…
Mont. Code Ann. § 20-5-208 (2015), states that “bullying” is defined as:
“Any harassment, intimidation, hazing, or threatening, insulting, or demeaning gesture or physical contact, including any intentional written, verbal, or electronic communication or threat directed against a student that is persistent, severe, or repeated and that:
(a) causes a student physical harm, damages a student’s property, or places a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student or the student’s property;
(b) creates a hostile environment by interfering with or denying a student’s access to an educational opportunity or benefit; or
(c) substantially and materially disrupts the orderly operation of a school.
The term includes retaliation against a victim or witness who reports information about an act of bullying and includes acts of hazing associated with athletics or school-sponsored organizations or groups.”
According to stopbullying.gov , Montana school districts are required to have anti-bullying policies in place. It is recommended that this policy is understood by caregivers with children in schools K-12, so they are well-versed in their district or specific school’s policies, and how these policies are being enforced.
It might be difficult to avoid all forms of bullying especially in small communities/schools, but every person deserves the opportunity to live their lives as their authentic selves, even if they are different from their peers. Please review the resources below if you are interested in learning more about bullying, bully prevention, or supportive resources.
Resources
Visit https://opi.mt.gov/bullyfree for more information from Elsie Arntzen, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Bully Free Montana Toolkit for Educators, Families, and Students (PDF): https://opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/HES%20Bully%20Free%20Montana/Bullyfree%20Toolkit/21BullyFreeToolkitA%20Updated.pdf?ver=2021-10-06-124007-300
For more information about state anti-bullying laws and policies, please visit:
Teen Support and Resources:
To view an inspiring spoken-word poem, “To This Day…. For the Bullied and Beautiful” by the talented Shane Koyczan:
Christine Perkins, MSW, SWLC