Bullying

What is bullying?

Bullying occurs when one or more individuals, repeatedly, intentionally hurts, threatens, intimidates, inappropriately touches, or attempts to devalue another person. It is difficult for the person being targeted to avoid the person bullying and to defend him or herself. In many instances the bullying behavior continues and has the potential to escalate into violence. Please refer to our student handbook for additional information.  Some examples of bullying include:

  • Bullying fosters a climate of fear and disrespect that can seriously impair the physical and psychological health of its victims and create conditions that negatively affect learning.
  • Bullying includes unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. The imbalance of power involves the use of physical strength, or popularity to access embarrassing information to control or harm others. Bullying can occur anywhere (in-school or outside of school) and at any time – both during and after school hours.
  • Bullying can include physical bullying, verbal bullying, social/relational bullying, and electronic/written communication

Types of Bullying:

  • Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. It includes hitting/kicking/punching, spitting, tripping or pushing, taking or breaking someone’s things, and making mean or rude hand gestures.
  • Verbal bullying involves saying mean things. It can include teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, or threatening to cause harm.
  • Social/relational bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying involves telling other children not to be friends with someone, leaving someone out on purpose, spreading rumors about someone, or embarrassing someone in public.
  • Electronic/written communication involves cyber-bullying, collective or group note writing, any bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices (computer, cell phones).
  • What can YOU do??

The Bully (Perpetrator):  Person or persons who engages in bullying or demeaning behavior

  • This is a choice
  • Put yourself in the other person’s shoes
  • Think of the consequences
  • Find a positive way to express yourself

The Target:

  • GET HELP!  Speak with a counselor, social worker, SRO, teacher, or administrator. We cannot help if we are not aware of the problem!
  • Stay in a group
  • If it feels safe, stand up to the person who is bullying you – tell them to “STOP”
  • Use humor to “blow off” the bullying behavior

  • Use the bullying report form

The Ally:

  • You are making a difference
  • Stand up for the Target
  • Give the Target emotional support
  • Report the bullying to an adult

  • Use the bullying report form

The Bystander: