What is Bullying: Part 1 of 3

School staff can do a great deal to prevent bullying and protect students, but they cannot do it alone. When your child is being bullied there are steps you can take to resolve the situation.

In this three-part series on bullying, we will examine what bullying is and what it is not, the warning signs of bullying, the steps to take for preventing and reporting bullying, and how to talk to your child about bullying.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is defined as written or verbal expression, including electronic communication, or physical contact that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district that exploits an imbalance of power and interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

What is Considered Bullying?

• An Imbalance of Power: Students who bully use their power – such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity – to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same students

• Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.

• Bullying Actions: Making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally or through social media, and/or excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Not all children who are bullied ask for help. It is important to talk with children who show signs of being bullied. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to your child can help identify the root cause of the problem.

What additional questions do you have about bullying? Ask your questions in the comment section below.

Look for Bullying 101- Ten Warning Signs of Bullying: Part 2 Next Week