It’s More Than Just “Kids Being Kids”
Gateway Rehab Prevention Expert Encourages Saying “No” to School Bullies

PITTSBURGH – With the new school year approaching, students of all ages will be exposed to the many forms of bullying, whether they are labeled the bully, victim, or bystander.  “Studies show that between 15 and 20 percent of U.S. students in grades six through 10 have been bullied or have bullied other children,” said C. deRicci Horwatt, program director for Gateway Rehabiliation Center’s VISION program, based out of Washington, Pa.  According to Horwatt, this form of “peer abuse” creates a climate of fear and disrespect among students, faculty, and staff while impacting student attendance, psychological well-being, and the overall ability to learn.

Horwatt will be hosting, “Bullies, Victims, Bystanders: Prevention and Intervention,” a free mini-conference from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, August 24 at Gateway Rehab Center, 100 Moffett Run Road, Aliquippa, Pa. 

Despite its negative impacts, bullying tends to be overlooked in many schools and is often dismissed as “kids being kids.” In one study, 25 percent of teachers saw nothing wrong with bullying or putdowns, which resulted in their intervening in only four percent of bullying incidents.  According to Horwatt, parents are also frequently unaware of bullying incidents due to children feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or in fear of being labeled a “tattler” or “snitch”. 

“Children who bully are more likely than their peers to lack empathy, get into frequent fights, steal, use alcohol or other drugs, be truant from school, and get into legal trouble by age 24,” explained Horwatt.  On the other hand, victims of bullying are more likely to be depressed, lonely, have low self-esteem, and thoughts of suicide.  

 “Parents and school administrators need to be aware that bullying is not typical peer conflict,” said Horwatt. “Everyone must play a role in saying ‘no’ to bullies, whether you are a parent, health professional, teacher, school official, or someone who frequently interacts with young people.  Children should be able to attend school and take part in community activities without the fear of being harassed, assaulted, belittled, or excluded.”

All healthcare and other interested professionals that provide quality training and education about addiction and related treatment issues are invited to attend the August 24 mini-conference and will earn three CAC/CPS credit hours.  For more information or to register, call Gateway Rehab Center at 724-378-4461, ext. 1193 or visit www.gatewayrehab.org.

Certified Olweus (ol-ve-us) Bully Prevention Trainer, C. deRicci Horwatt, Gateway Rehab VISION program director, trains school districts, parents, community members, and students across Southwestern Pennsylvania using the nationally recognized Olweus Bullying Prevention Model.