Tredyffrin/ Easttown Schools Proactive In Anti-Bullying Efforts

TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN, PA — In commemoration of National Bullying Prevention Month in October, the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District is among many other local districts that are working to end bullying in and out of school.

At TESD, strict anti-bullying/harassment policies are in effect.

See the policy below:

It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and positive learning environment free from bullying behaviors. Bullying occurs when a student or a group of students intentionally and repeatedly uses hurtful or intimidating words, actions or other behaviors against another student.

A detailed description of bullying behaviors is posted in each classroom at Conestoga High School for student access. If a student thinks that someone is bullying him/her during the school day, on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, the student should tell an adult at school immediately so the school can begin the process of investigating the issue.

Following the investigation, school officials may apply a range of consequences from a parent conference to police contact.

The bullying problem goes far beyond the suburbs of Philadelphia, however.

National statistics vary, but an aggregate of 80 different studies on bullying suggests one in five American students between 12 and 18 is bullied at some point during their middle or high school years.

The studies cited by the PACER Center, which established National Bullying Prevention Month, show that 15 percent of kids surveyed report being cyberbullied, while around 35 percent of students had been bullied in more "traditional," in-person ways.

Among the marquee National Bullying Prevention Month activities is Unity Day, observed on Wednesday, Oct. 24, when everyone is encouraged to wear and show orange to send a message that no child should ever experience bullying.

"Orange provides a powerful, visually compelling expression of solidarity," Paula Goldberg, the executive director of the PACER Center, said in a statement. "Whether it's hundreds of individuals at a school wearing orange, store owners offering orange products or a community changing a landmark to orange, the vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, sending the supportive, universal message that bullying is never acceptable behavior."

THE MENACE OF BULLIES: PATCH ADVOCACY REPORTING PROJECT

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying.

Do you have a story to tell? Email us at bullies@patch.com, or share your views in the comments.

Here's more about Unity Day: