Tripping or pushing, spreading rumors, excluding a classmate from playing a game at recess – these are all types of bullying. Having one of these behaviors directed at your child is concerning and upsetting. Hearing that your child is a witness to a classmate being treated this way is also upsetting. We all want our kids to be safe.

Bullying

• Aggression toward another person that occurs repeatedly over time
• The harm is intentional and planned
• The aggression is usually unprovoked
• One person/persons who are the aggressors have more power than the victim of the aggression

Cyberbullying

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

Harassment

• Aggression focused on a student’s race, national origin, religion, disability, or sex
• Aggression that is severe, persistent, or pervasive

Not all conflicts are bullying or harrassament.

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

What If Your Child is Being Bullied?

• First, focus on your child
• Be supportive and listen
• Gather information (who, what, when, where)
• Discourage physical retaliation
• Contact your child’s principal and/or school counselor
• Provide factual information about the incident 
• Work with school staff to create a safety plan for your student
• Commit to making the bullying stop
• If the bullying continues contact the principal again
• Teach your child strategies to avoid bullying
• Encourage participation in school and community activities
• Encourage and support positive friendships
• Teach your child to seek help from an adult if he or she is being bullied