Tripping or pushing, spreading rumors, excluding a classmate from playing a game at recess – all of these behaviors are concerning and upsetting. Hearing that your student is a witness to a classmate being treated this way is also upsetting. We all want our students to be safe. NOTE: Not all conflicts are bullying or harassment.

Peer Conflict

• A one-time or isolated act of aggression between students

• The balance of power is equal or nearly equal between the students

• Peer conflict is not a group of students picking on one student

• Students involved in the conflict are willing to work out their differences or leave each other alone

Harassment

• Aggression focused on a student’s race, national origin, religion, disability, or sex

• Aggression that is severe, persistent, or pervasive

Bullying

• Aggression toward another person that occurs repeatedly over time

• One person/persons who are the aggressors have more power than the victim of the aggression

• The harm is intentional and planned

• The aggression is usually unprovoked

Cyberbullying

• Cyberbullying is bullying using technology (e-mail, text messaging, the internet, social media, etc.)

What if you suspect your student is being bullied?

• First, focus on your student

• Be supportive and listen

• Gather information (who, what, when, where)

• Discourage physical retaliation

• Contact your student’s Principal and/or School Counselor

• Provide factual information about the incident

• Work with school staff to create a safety plan for your student 

• If the bullying continues contact the Principal again

• Teach your student strategies to avoid bullying

• Encourage participation in school and community activities

• Encourage and support positive friendships

• Teach your student to seek help from an adult if he or she is being bullied

What can you do to help stop bullying?

• Stand up for the victim and tell the bully to stop

• If you don't feel safe, seek adult help immediately

• Support the victim and be friendly

• Report the incident to your school Principal or School Counselor

What if you are being bullied?

• Know you are not alone

• Tell the nearest adult, Counselor, or Principal what happened so that they can create a plan to keep you safe and provide consequences for the bully that will stop the behavior