<\/p>\n
What Exactly is Bullying?<\/strong> 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\u2019s school performance or participation and is characterized by an imbalance of power.<\/p>\n What is the Difference Between Bullying, Conflict and Teasing<\/strong><\/p>\n Source: Vaughn, 2007<\/span><\/p>\n Sources: Coloroso, 2004, The Ophelia Project, 2012<\/span><\/p>\n Parents play a key role in preventing and responding to bullying. Learn What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied –\u00a0https:\/\/www.stopbullying.gov\/what-you-can-do\/index.html<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Bullying – What Parents Should Know – Informational Brochure for Parents<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThere 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:<\/p>\n\n
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\n Normal Conflict<\/strong><\/td>\n Bullying<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Equal power<\/td>\n Imbalance of power<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Happens occasionally<\/td>\n Repeated <\/strong>negative actions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Accidental<\/td>\n Purposeful<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Equal emotional reaction<\/td>\n Emotional harm on just one side<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Remorse<\/td>\n No remorse<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Effort to solve the problem<\/td>\n No effort to solve the problem<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\n
\n Teasing<\/strong><\/td>\n Bullying<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Innocent in motive<\/td>\n Purposeful<\/strong> – a choice to hurt someone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Equal power – teaser and person being teased swap roles<\/td>\n Imbalance of power<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Is discontinued when person being teased objects<\/td>\n Continues (repeated<\/strong>) and includes fear of further taunting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Maintains basic dignity of everyone involved<\/td>\n Involves humiliating, cruel, demeaning comments<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n