Although bullying is not new, recent attention to the problem has made adults more aware of the heartbreaking ways kids can intentionally hurt other kids. Any child can be a victim of bullying; however, children with special needs often bear the brunt of a bully’s wrath because their differences make them easy targets. Fortunately, parents of kids with special needs have their own tool for fighting back: their Individual Education Plan (IEP). An IEP is a document that outlines the extra help or accommodations a child with special needs receives at school for educational purposes. In addition to outlining academic and social accommodations, an IEP can include specific steps to prevent and address bullying. Below are ways to incorporate bullying prevention into your child’s IEP so they can have a happy, secure school year.
Strategies for Integrating Bullying Prevention into Your Child’s IEP:
Create a plan to educate school staff and classroom peers about a child’s diagnosis.
Ensure all students know school district policies on the consequences for bullying behavior.
Outline a plan for documenting and reporting bullying incidents.
Name a teacher or administrator in the school who will be the child’s point person if he or she is bullied.
If a child has been targeted by a bully, allow this child to leave class a few minutes early to safely get to the next class.
Identify a teacher or administrator to shadow a child who has been bullied to understand the type of bullying that has occurred. Shadowing can be done anywhere on school grounds. The information gathered by the shadower can be used to prevent future problems.
Be sure that teachers and administrators reiterate that each child has a right to safety and that any victim of bullying knows the incident is not his or her fault.
When talking with your child’s IEP team, think beyond the classroom. An IEP is a powerful tool if used fully. If you worry that your child’s special needs could make him or her a target for bullies, consider adding a bullying plan to his or her IEP. It’s one tool you can use to make the next school year as safe and successful for your child as possible.
Brett Siegel received his Bachelor and Masters degrees in Social Work at The University of Kansas and Loyola University Chicago respectively. Brett joins North Shore Pediatric Therapy with a plethora of experiences that have served to foster professional growth and development. He has worked extensively in the areas of case management and clinical/therapeutic interventions with children, adults, families and groups. His professional interests include, but are not limited to pediatric and adolescent mental health, the bullying epidemic and the impact of divorce on children and their families. For more information visit www.NSPT4kids.com or call 877-486-4140.