KIDS USING PUTDOWNS IN OUR SCHOOL

Over the last few weeks, we have had several incidents of senior students using really offensive putdowns, abusive statements and vulgar language towards other students in our school. This is unacceptable on so many fronts and it's something that we don’t tolerate within our learning community. I’ve asked all staff to communicate with the parents of students who have been using the putdowns, abuse and foul language, outlining the consequences that we will be putting in place if the behaviour continues. I’m confident after today’s conversation with students that they will reflect on their behaviour and actions, and that they will stop.

A putdown is an insulting or hurtful remark that “puts down” a person or group of people by making them seem less worthy. Whether a putdown is directed at themselves or at someone else, young people and adults need to understand that stopping putdowns with their family, friends, colleagues, and classmates is like stopping pollution or littering. It might not always be possible, but it is important to try when we can. If we get mad and start insulting the person who is making the putdown remarks, this is like adding to the pollution. Instead, we can learn to speak up in ways that are both respectful and clear – and to persist in the face of negative reactions.

Common putdowns include laughing, making rude gestures or sounds, mimicking, and saying insulting things that make someone feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or ashamed – or that are disrespectful to a group of people because of their differences. Putdowns also include making negative remarks about someone behind her or his back for the purpose of getting others to think less of this person. This is different than speaking up about a problem to get help, because the purpose is not to find a solution, but to be hurtful to this person.

WAYS TO SPEAK UP

Kids need to understand that depending on the nature of the putdown and the ages of our students, responses that we might practice include:

• “That’s not funny. Please stop.”
• “That’s an unkind thing to say. I don’t like it.”
• “That’s so not cool.”
• “What purpose does it serve to say that? It sounds like an insult.”
• “That’s disrespectful. Please stop.”
• “That’s racist. That’s not acceptable to me and really hurtful to the person you said it to.”
• “That’s a mean thing to do. Stop or I’ll leave.”
• “That’s bullying. We promised not to do that, and I want to keep our promises.”
• “That’s dishonourable. You are a better person than that.”

In addition, we acknowledge that there are times NOT to speak up. For example, if a dangerous person is insulting you or others in order to provoke a fight, the best plan is usually just to leave instead of answering back.

DEALING WITH COMMON DEFENSIVE REACTIONS TO PUTDOWNS

Kids and adults who use putdowns often have common defensive reactions and possible responses to cover themselves:

The Sense of Humour Reaction: Can’t you take a joke?

Possible Response: I usually appreciate your sense of humour, and that joke sounded unkind. Being hurtful to people is not funny to me.

The Belittling Reaction: You’re overreacting. You’re oversensitive.

Possible Response: Perhaps. All the same, I feel uncomfortable when you make comments like that. Let’s talk about something else instead.

The Innocent Reaction: But this person is not even here. So, what does it matter?

Possible Response: I understand that you think it doesn’t matter – and I believe that saying mean things behind someone’s back does not make it less mean – and can harm their reputation.

The Being Factual Reaction: I was just stating my honest opinion. It’s a free country.

Possible Response: You have the right to believe anything you want. And I have the right to ask you to express yourself differently or to talk about something else.  I really believe that, if someone used words like that about you or someone important to you, you would feel upset.

The Being Helpful Reaction: I was just trying to be helpful. Can’t you handle the truth?

Possible Response: I appreciate your intention. However, I do not experience your comments as being helpful. Please talk about something else.

The Blaming Reaction: It’s your fault. I had to say this because you made me mad.

Possible Response:  I am sad that you are angry, and when you say rude things, this is your responsibility.  Please explain why you are unhappy with me using respectful language another time.

The Changing the Subject Reaction: You are really wrong because you ___________ (a completely unrelated complaint.)

Possible Response: I understand that you are unhappy about that. However, it is a different subject. You can tell me about what I said or did that bothered you later. Right now, please stop using disrespectful language.

The Threatening Reaction: I’ll make you sorry that you said that.

Possible Response:  Stop or I’ll leave. Stop or I’ll tell. (Or just leaving and getting help without saying anything further to this person.)

The Denial Reaction: I never said that. That’s not what I meant.

Possible Response: (If there is any possibility that you are wrong) If that is true, then I apologize for believing that you would say something so awful. (If this is something that happens repeatedly) I have a different memory about this than you do. So, does this mean that you agree that that would be an awful thing to say?

Although young people often resist practicing what words to say and how to say them out loud, doing so is usually very empowering and leaves them feeling prepared to set boundaries about putdowns and to persist when someone reacts defensively.

WALKING OUR TALK ABOUT PUTDOWNS

Like me, you might recognize yourself as well as other people in some of the defensive reactions described above. Respectful communication takes hard work from everyone involved. If we want to stop young people from using putdowns, we adults must stop making putdowns ourselves. Especially because it is hard, showing children that we can listen respectfully when someone feels insulted by our actions or words is important. We don’t have to agree, but we do need to show that we are willing to understand other points of view.

No matter what our intentions were, if someone is insulted or hurt by something we said or did, we can say, “I am sorry for saying this in a way that was hurtful.” If we were wrong, we can say, “I was wrong. That was a dumb thing for me to say. I am sorry.” If we were expressing a valid concern, we can say, “I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I am sorry. At the same time, I do need to tell you about this problem. Is there a way that I can say it that you will not find insulting?”

SEEING ADULTS APOLOGIZE FOR PUTDOWNS IS TREMENDOUSLY EDUCATIONAL FOR KIDS!

Adults can tell children as soon as they are old enough to understand, “None of us are perfect, and all of us make mistakes. When someone does not like something that you say or do, it can feel upsetting. Instead of saying something back right away, you can learn to get centred and to listen. Try to ask questions until you can understand why the other person is unhappy with you. Even if you don’t agree, you can say that you are sorry for hurting someone’s feelings.”

BEING PATIENT AT CARLINE DROP OFF AND PICK UP

All parents using the Admin Area carline for drop off and pick up are reminded that there is to be no right turn into the school cutting in front of cars that are already inline waiting to turn left into the pick up/drop off zone. Parents are asked to go down to the bottom of Victoria St, through the roundabout and then come back up the hill joining the line of cars entering the school via a left-hand turn.

Last week I had several parents contact me about cars cutting in front of them during pick up and drop off. Please do not enter St Ita’s via a right hand turn off Victoria Street as its unsafe and unfair on those already waiting patiently to enter the drop off or pick up zone.

Please do not cut in front of cars in the bus bay zone, the bus bay zone is to be kept clear at all times.

DISABLED CAR PARK

We have a number of parents parking in the disabled spaces out the front of the school. Please do not use these car parks unless you have a disabled sticker on display.

THANK YOU MR BACKMAN

Big shout out to Mr. Joel Backman, father of Laken in Grade 2M who filled the monster pothole out the front of our school entry today. We were a little concerned we may lose a car or two in the crater that was rapidly developing. Great job Joel!

Andrew Osler