What Exactly is Bullying?
There are often misconceptions regarding the definition of bullying. Other mean behaviors and actions that do not meet the definition are many times called bullying. There are three specific characteristics that must be present for a behavior to be identified as bullying:
- The behavior must be repeated. Bullying does not just happen once – it is ongoing
- The bullying is intentional
- The bullying is directed to someone with less power
Our school district policy defines bullying as systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students. Unwanted and repeated written, verbal, cyber or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture by an adult or student that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interferes with the individual’s school performance or participation and is characterized by an imbalance of power.
What is the Difference Between Bullying, Conflict and Teasing
| Normal Conflict | Bullying |
| Equal power | Imbalance of power |
| Happens occasionally | Repeated negative actions |
| Accidental | Purposeful |
| Equal emotional reaction | Emotional harm on just one side |
| Remorse | No remorse |
| Effort to solve the problem | No effort to solve the problem |
Source: Vaughn, 2007
| Teasing | Bullying |
| Innocent in motive | Purposeful – a choice to hurt someone |
| Equal power – teaser and person being teased swap roles | Imbalance of power |
| Is discontinued when person being teased objects | Continues (repeated) and includes fear of further taunting |
| Maintains basic dignity of everyone involved | Involves humiliating, cruel, demeaning comments |
Sources: Coloroso, 2004, The Ophelia Project, 2012
Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. Learn What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied – https://www.stopbullying.gov/what-you-can-do/index.html
Bullying – What Parents Should Know – Informational Brochure for Parents
Bullying Prevention Resource. From Florida Department of Education’s Office of Safe Schools – http://www.fldoe.org/safe-schools/bullying-prevention.stml
