SECEP IS COMMITTED TO THE IDENTIFICATION AND PREVENTION OF BULLYING 

Every school division policy should include a definition of bullying, which,

at a minimum, is consistent to that adopted by Virginia’s 2013 General    

Assembly (§ 22.1- 276.01 the Code of Virginia):                                               

“Bullying means any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm,
intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived  power imbalance
between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or
causes severe emotional trauma.  ‘Bullying’ includes cyberbullying.  ‘Bullying’
does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”   

TYPES OF BULLYING

1. Verbal Bullying:  teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, and threatening to cause harm

2. Social Bullying:  leaving someone out on purpose, telling other children not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors about someone, and embarrassing someone in public

3. Cyberbullying:  verbal and/or social bullying through electronic technology (social media sites, text messages, chat, and website) 

4. Physical Bullying:  hitting, kicking, pinching, spitting, tripping, and pushing

WHO IS AT RISK?

1. Those who feel there is a perceived power imbalance from others (physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity to control or hurt others)

2. Individuals harassed as a result of their race, gender, disability

3. Individuals that bully

4. Individuals that are being bullied

STUDENTS (DREAM):

1. Do not participate in any behavior (verbal, social, electronic, or physical) intended to hurt others

2. Report suspected bullying to guardians or school personnel immediately

3. Engage in appropriate interactions

4. Act the way you want to be treated

5. Move away from a problematic situation and seek assistance

SECEP WILL:

1. Intervene immediately

2. Separate the individuals involved

3. Ensure safety

4. Investigate the situation

5. Determine if bullying has occurred

6. Determine if harassment has occurred

7. Inform the guardians of the situation

8. Take action to prevent future occurrence of the situation

WHAT CAN GUARDIANS DO TO HELP?

1. Inform SECEP personnel of concerns immediately

2. Talk with your child about appropriate behavior

3. Be aware of what your children are doing

4. Establish rules about technology use

5. Review and understand school rules

6. Encourage your child to talk with you about problematic situations without fear of consequence

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/prevention-strategies-programs/bullying-prevention

http://www.stopbullying.gov/

 

Suspected Bullying Form

ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED TO COMPLETE THE FORM