Bullying and Harassment Policy

Definitions:

Harassment: Any speech or actions that are severe, pervasive, and targeted at a specific person or group. It creates an intense environment for the targeted individual(s), hindering their educational experience, interfering with their rights, intimidating them because of their identity or abilities, and harming their well-being.

Bullying: Unwanted, repetitive, aggressive behavior that involves a power imbalance. It can be vindictive, cruel, or malicious and can manifest physically, verbally, or psychologically. Examples include name-calling, sarcasm, teasing, unwarranted criticism, threats of violence, or actual physical assault. Cyberbullying through social media, apps, games, or email is also included.

Types of Bullying:

Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, invading personal space, unwanted touching, pinching, and other forms of violence or threats.

Verbal: Aggressive tone, teasing, taunting, name-calling, swearing, sarcasm, spreading rumors, deliberate efforts to hurt, threaten, or frighten.

Emotional: Intentional exclusion, tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating, using threatening gestures, talking behind someone’s back, spreading rumors, intimidation, and pressuring into unwanted actions.

Racist: Racist taunts or name-calling, racially charged symbols/graffiti, or gestures.

Sexual: Unwanted contact/touch, abusive sexual comments, homophobic slurs, sexual jokes, leering, gestures, or drawings.

Cyber/Online: Sending threats via electronic devices, texting or phoning threats, setting up hate/gossip websites, chat room misuse. This includes aggressive, hurtful, teasing, denigrating (personal, racial, sexual, or religious), rumors, or threatening messages sent within or outside of school.

Reporting and Response:

Bullying and harassment are strictly prohibited. Students are encouraged to report any incidents to their teachers, counselors, school administrators, or other trusted adults immediately. Prompt reporting is crucial for effective resolution. Students are also encouraged to collect and present evidence to a trusted staff member.

The school will respond and investigate incidents promptly, and offenders will face appropriate disciplinary measures. Parents will be informed in a timely manner.

NIS is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and will take all necessary actions to prevent and address bullying and harassment.