Bullying
What is Bullying?
"Bullying" means any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor(s) and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. "Bullying" includes behavior motivated by a real or perceived differentiating characteristic of the victim and cyberbullying. "Bullying" does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict. People who bully usually target those who seem weaker in some way and try to gain power over that person. No child deserves to be bullied and no child should bully another.
Parents can be instrumental in helping their child(ren) by learning the signs of aggressive and harassing behaviors, and by knowing strategies to deal with bullying when it occurs. The best protection parents can offer their child is to foster confidence and self-esteem. Talking openly about respect for self and others will increase tolerance for differences.
The Bully
A bully is someone who wants to control others by manipulating and embarrassing them. Bullying is never okay. It is a learned behavior and can be changed. The bully can receive help and support to change bullying behaviors by visiting school staff members.
Examples of Bullying
Damaging others' belongings such as clothing, school supplies, and school projects
Name calling
Teasing, making fun of someone
Starting and spreading rumors
Putting down others
Telling lies about someone
Expressing sarcasm, subtle negative comments
Excluding specific persons
Pushing and hitting
Tripping
Ridculing
Threatening
Intimidating
Taking items such as money, food, or homework
Making sexual comments or innuendos
Choking
Hazing
Mean or inappropriate looks or stares
Sending cruel or inappropriate email or instant messages
What Parents Can Do:
Talk to your child about bullying and harassment. Ask if you think your child is being bullied. Encourage your child to report bullying at school to teachers, school counselors, or the principal.
File a bullying complaint with your child’s principal or school counselor as soon as possible.
Complete the SPS Complaint of Bullying Form
Call the Bully Hotline at 757- 538-5483.
What Students Can Do:
Report bullying at school to teachers, school counselors, or the principal, and talk to your parents
Ignore the bully or don’t react
Be assertive, but do not get into a physical or verbal fight
Hold your head up, show confidence in yourself
Walk away and report the incident
Complete the SPS Complaint of Bullying Form
Call the Bully Hotline at 757-538-5483
What Witnesses Can Do:
If you observe incidents of bullying, support the victim. Tell the bully to stop. Do not laugh or side with the bully. Don’t confront the bully if you think someone may get hurt. Don’t laugh at or join the teasing or gossip. Report all incidents of bullying to school staff and encourage the victim to do the same.
Call the Bully Hotline at 757-538-5483.
Complete the SPS Complaint of Bullying Form