Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in many different ways and in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).

The key features of bullying are that it:

1. Involves a misuse of power in a relationship;

2. Is ongoing, intentional and repeated harassment;

3. Involves behaviours that can cause harm,

4. Is toxic to our school community.

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. 

1. There is a disagreement or difference of opinion

2. Power is equal between those involved

3. Incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence are usually isolated

4. Acts of meanness or spite are one-off

5. All involved make an effort to resolve the situation

Say NO to the student who is bullying, keep your distance from the student and report to an adult. Don’t bully them back. Instead, take time to do something nice for yourself.

If the behaviour does not stop: 

• Talk to your classroom teacher or any teacher whom you feel comfortable talking to 

• Talk to your parents 

• Keep talking to the teachers and parents and report each incident 

• Don’t bully the bully