What is Bullying?
Bullying is defined as systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. The term “bullying” shall include “cyber-bullying.” It is further defined as unwanted and repeated written, verbal, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, by a student or adult that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation; and may involve but is not limited to:
- social exclusion
- physical violence
- sexual, religious, and racial harassment
- public humiliation
- destruction of property
Bullying components can be defined in the acronym RIP:
- Repeated – occurs more than once
- Imbalance of Power – when a student, adult, or group is older, larger, or perceived to be smarter and/or more popular than the other and unfairly takes advantage of the unlevel playing field
- Purposeful – deliberate goal or intent
What is Harassment?
Harassment involves any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing act or gesture; use of data or computer software; or written, verbal, or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee which places a student or school board employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; has the effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school or activity.
For more information, refer to the VCS Bullying & Harassment Prevention, Intervention, & Documentation Guide.