3. Older/larger child focusing on a younger/smaller child. They feel bad that despite their best efforts, they can’t both drive safely and keep an eye on every child in their care at the same time. Please Note Creating a Supportive Bus Climate: Preventing Bullying This is Module 2 of the two-module series, Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment on Our Nation’s School Buses. Bullying on Bus. Half of them reported witnessing it several times a month. C. Are you available to work extra shifts, like sporting events and field trips? 13. . Students seem to know if you care about their well-being. New Orleans school bus driver Andrea Anderson told WVUE-TV that the parents barged onto her bus, and started screaming at her before they dragged her off. -- A Colorado school bus driver faces 30 child abuse charges after intentionally slamming on the brakes to "teach the kids a lesson. Perhaps not found in a bus drivers’ job description are the details to monitor and respond to all suspected bullying behaviors. Ok here's my problem my daughter is 13 and in 7th grade. However, other forms of bullying, while being totally unacceptable, can be very difficult to identify as threats to passenger safety. You are the authority on the bus!o Stay away from the bus, so your driver can see you. Loudly. However, bullying behavior is becoming a larger part of the safety concerns that school bus drivers have to deal with on a daily basis. Drivers who are bullied by students may experience anxious driving, cynicism, and emotional exhaustion. August 10, 2011 -- The video of the frustrated parent attacking a school bus driver in Louisville, Ky. As part In the fall of 2008, the district began implementing the Peaceful School Bus Program in its 8 According to a 2013 study Awareity, 44 percent of students say they have witnessed or experienced bullying on the school bus. A child is in more danger in a car, than on a bus! Additionally, buses reduce pollution in a city, as well as. To achieve this balance, they recommend the following: Have a seating chart. a positive atmosphere on your bus. When bus drivers are distracted by driving, it can be challenging for them to intervene effectively at the moment. Read Also: 15 Effective Special-Needs Training Tips For School Bus Driver. A specific student who always wants to sit near the front of the bus. To use the phone to report an emergency or mechanical breakdown of the bus, the bus driver must park the bus first. 63°. 5. They. The school bus has been identified as a potential hot spot for student bullying, wherein bus drivers may see, hear, and respond to several types of bullying on a daily basis that often require support from school officials. So as you pull up to the school door, that child throws up on the bus. Here are numerous suggestions that bus drivers can pass onto students. 5. Keep your child calm. 10 answers / Last post: 15/04/2009 at 9:57 am. To be honest, this is a false accusation. That's because even though the bus driver is an adult who is present with the children, their. State your concern. Move the bullying child near the driver Give a verbal warning Watch for future occurrences Fll h h l i dFollow the school reporting procedures Discuss proper behavior with students. The. ” “I feel very safe but people on my bus call me names. 5. 7 (3) 2008, 48-70. ” “Kids cuss on the bus all the time. You and your child can meet the bus driver and even get on and ride the bus. When bus drivers are distracted by driving, it can be challenging for them to intervene effectively at the moment. If your transportation department is using BusBoss to route their students, but not using the registered sex offender functionality, they will not be alerted, and. In general, Whenever the driver senses signs of bullying he/she should stop the vehicle at a safe place for taking necessary action. This includes, where to place the bus. 6. Physical bullying which affects the safety of bus travel can be easily observed and is dealt with under the Code. In fact, he is often naked, letting it all hang out performing in an erotic stage show, or dressing up in heels and lingerie — and little else. About 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide. As of 2015, 1 in 4 students was a victim of bullying. It happened on Piedmont Open IB Middle School bus No. Lots of bullying happened on my school bus. When your child is waiting at the school bus stop to get on the bus, have him step away from the curb (about three big steps back) when the school bus approaches. For purposes of this section: (1) A school bus driver shall mean any person who drives a school bus which is owned, leased or contracted for by a public school district, board of cooperative educational services or. Finding a Solution to Protect the Bullied Child: Work closely with the school, bus driver, and the family to find practical solutions that protect the bullied child. “The video was taken by another student and shows a boy crying and begging the bus driver to let him stay on the bus. For example, they may drive while distracted, intoxicated, or drowsy, or they may violate. Florida law requires the use of seat belts or child restraint devices by drivers of motor vehicles, all front seat passengers, and all children under 18 riding in a vehicle. But drivers may have a. Are you willing to work as a substitute driver in all areas of the district? 12. That way your child will almost always have a seat companion and he’ll know who to look for on the. In addition, the Guidelines set out the responsibilities and requirements of bus drivers, busThe 2012 viral video of Karen Klein, a school bus monitor, who was filmed crying after being verbally and physically bullied by a group of teenagers, was perhaps the most notorious. S. First, always report it to the school. STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images. Remember, report bullying of yourself or other students to your teacher, coach, principal. You can imagine a large school bus full of students, and as a result, drivers can find it difficult to take care of each child. If you or your child is a victim of bullying, we recommend you take the following steps. I had sex explained to me as a kindergartener on the school bus by some older kid who thought he was edgy or something. When riding the bus, sit near the front. com Video released of 13-year-old girl brutally beaten on school bus MARION COUNTY, Fla. Bullying can happen to any child, any place and at any time. 147, F. Above, a school bus is seen at a safety event for children at Trailside Middle. First, always report it to the school. published on June 16, 2023 by Sonia Mastros. m. They also should consider pairing up with neighborhood friends and riding the bus together. When drivers sense that some random child is being bullied, they should stop the school bus at a safe place and then take assertive action. Every school district is different. She couldn’t help me. That’s true of school bus drivers as well. Remember, report bullying of yourself or other students to your teacher, coach, principal, and/or parent. Times change over the years and bullying has changed in many ways with it. Do not bring dangerous or destructive objects. S. A school bus driver was dragged off the bus by three angry mothers who then repeatedly kicked her while she lay on the ground after they claimed she ignored a bullying incident. Older/larger child focusing on a younger/smaller child. Anonymous. What Bus Drivers Can Do. Bullies tend to choose locations where. This forward thinking can lead to a school bus environment that could look a whole lot different. The bus driver shortsge also means it is more difficult to treat bus drivers badly. 1. For a while he thought, 'That is just a normal part of childhood. As of 2015, 1 in 4 students was a victim of bullying. Name-calling. But drivers may have a lot of opportunities to stop bullying of disabled students. He must be prepared. Posted: Sep 30, 2021 / 09:10 AM EDT. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing. The bus driver could be heard saying on his radio that a nurse was awaiting the bus's arrival at school. This happens many times if the driver is the only adult on the bus or if staff members are all sitting together at the front of the bus. The Law – S. State Perspective. Signs include a child not wanting to ride the bus any more or a child looking for another way to get to school. Here's how parents, kids, bus drivers, and schools can work together to make the school bus bully-proof. 7 (3) 2008, 48-70. They can do this in many ways. ”. “The bus driver, Mr. But they have only 35 vehicles for 90 routes, so they contract out with a San Jose company. The bus driver, other adult staff, and the school have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure children feel safe, valued, and welcome on the bus. About 27 percent of girls reported being bullied compared to about 22 percent of boys. ♦ Remember that no one deserves to be bullied. gov defines bullying as “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. ”. •Report all bullying incidents to management and school district customers immediately. Brian. Other days, they called the 11. Restraint or seclusion should never be used as punishment or discipline (e. Two important points to always remember: 1. Maintain control of your students. 1, school bus drivers must have access to a phone or two-way radio while in control of the bus. 7 (3) 2008, 48-70. Bullying; The School Bus. School Buses and Bullying. Know the basic facts about bullying and how to handle it. Bullying is a form of abuse at the hands of peers that can take different forms at different ages. This may include adjusting bus seating arrangements, implementing a buddy system, changing bus routes, or as a last resort finding alternative transportation. The school has stepped in and have notified all involved and are doing what they can. Normal conversation is permitted; avoid loud noises that may distract the driver and create an unsafe condition. ) Culwell v. Training Presentation spring 2014. Although many school districts are spending large amounts of money to install CCTV units on school buses, there is no. With long rides, unstructured time and only one adult on board, the school bus is often a place where bullying runs rampant. Bullying on the bus shouldn’t come as a surprise. By recognizing the signs of bullying, knowing how to react to it, and getting involved in the prevention, parents, students, bus drivers, and schools can make a huge difference in protecting all students. But after receiving a report from the bus driver, the principal got involved. According to the U. This. Under SDP’s policy, students can receive a variety of punishments for school bus bullying from documented warnings, to loss of school privileges, and in severe cases, suspension. Remind her to never stick her arms or legs or any other part of her body out. An incident of alleged bullying on a school bus was brought to our attention last week via social media. If your child drops. 1006. This could be a sign that they’re being pestered. WHEELS Program Deters Bullying on the Bus. Executive Director of Transportation Liz McGowan says that flexible belted seating on a Cumberland County Schools bus in Fayetteville, N. Drivers who are bullied by students may experience anxious driving, cynicism, and emotional exhaustion. Tammy Aikins, a mom of two, said that last Aug. They feel bad that despite their best efforts, they can’t both drive safely and keep an eye on every child in their care at the same time. As of 2015, 1 in 4 students was a victim of bullying. — A man who boarded a school bus in Stafford, Virginia has since been arrested for disorderly conduct after going on a profane rant in front of nearly two dozen elementary. Talking with your child's bus driver in the middle of a route can be difficult, but a call to the school can help in setting up time that isn't so awkward. The bus was carrying 58 kindergartners and no bus monitor or "matron" when the incident occurred on the Cross Bronx Expressway. 75 (E) (No school bus driver shall start the driver’s bus until after any child has reached a place of safety on the child’s residence side of the road. One of the important aspects of student transportation is safety. Sit where the driver can see you in the mirror. A’s parents’ determination, the other child’s family would have no idea he was attacked, the bus driver would still have his certification, and the Chesterfield County School Board would not know their special needs bus operations were. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see him/her. C. And let’s not forget what is becoming one of the most significant issues for school bus drivers, learning how to deal with irate parents. For the first time, we. With one driver and multiple kids, bullying on the bus can be a serious problem, says Kathy Fenton, operator and owner of Fenton Bus Lines. As of 2015, 1 in 4 students was a victim of bullying. Another kid on the bus stepforward against the bully as a victim as well. Understand how the child is thinking and feeling. F. It can make them fearful of going to school. — Parents were involved in a fight on a school bus Tuesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district officials said. This gives them a better chance of not being. Over 90% of the country’s 500,000 school buses run on diesel. improve the safety of a child at the school bus stop. In the video, King discusses what transpired. Dangers of Bus Bullying. School violence, school bus, school bus driver, bullying, aggression, school administrators. Shouting, yelling, boisterous behav-ior, or any unnecessary loud noise cannot be per-mitted. Here's how parents, kids, bus drivers, and schools can work together to make the school bus bully-proof. One involved a New York school bus driver who reportedly told elementary school students aboard his bus that those who “voted” for Donald Trump could exit the bus, and argued with students. Bus drivers are key players in witnessing and preventing bullying, but bus drivers must be educated on how to respond promptly and effectively to bullying situations that take place on the bus. Only then can drivers find out and take the necessary action. S. It is unclear at this time what exactly occurred on the bus, but the Kent County Sheriff's Office is involved. The video shows the boy Bullying is a serious issue that impacts all school districts. The boy attempted to retrieve his game, but his aggressor tripped him and then began laughing. 4. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing. For bus drivers, it’s essential to identify the following signs of bullying: Kids forcing another student to sit further back in the bus. 2nd is the same thing with a mandatory conference. Step 1: Learn your school's bullying prevention policies. On Tuesday, the Louisville, Kentucky, father spoke with WAVE News in an interview, apologizing for his actions and behavior. And so, year-after-year, we hear about those hostile bus environments even upto the last day of school. Signs bullying is occurring on your child’s bus include the following: Fear of either going to school or riding the bus. 92% of bus drivers feel it is their responsibility to intervene in bullying situations, but only 56% said they received formal education on the school's bullying policy. Often there are children aged from 5 to 17 on the same bus and in regional areas they can be travelling.