- Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or
- Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.
This conduct is considered bullying if it:
- Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and
- Interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.
Bullying of a student may include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling, rumor spreading, or ostracism."
Below is a chart to help explain the differences:
Speak Out About Bullying
ways to reassure her that it’s okay to speak up.
To start a conversation…
“What have you heard in school about bullying?” Simply opening the lines of communication may make your child feel comfortable coming to you if she witnesses bullying or is a victim of it herself. If she doesn’t have much to say, you could talk about what you’ve heard or relate situations you encountered as a youngster.
If she is bullied…
“I’m glad you told me. Let’s decide how I can support you.” Children who are bullied may feel helpless. Discuss options so your youngster feels more in control. Would she be okay with your talking to her teacher? Does she want to meet with the school counselor?
When a classmate is bullied…“What could you do to help?” Together, brainstorm ideas. Have her think about where the bullying takes place. She might ask the child to play with her at recess or sit with her on the bus or at lunch. Or she could walk with her classmate to tell an adult about what happened.
If your child is involved in a bullying situation or aware of a bullying situation, don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or contact me. Together we can work to put an end to bullying.
Sources:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1118?filename=FFI(LOCAL).pdf
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