Bullying

It is the policy of the Baker County Public School District that all of its students and school employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. The District will not tolerate bullying and harassment of any type against any students, employees, visitors, volunteers or agents who work on school related activities, subject to the control of school officials.

What is Bullying?

It is systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or unreasonably interfere with the individual’s school performance or participation.

There are three main components to identify when determining if bullying is occurring:

1. There is always a power differential between the bully and the victim that is acquired through physical size, strength or status.
2. There is intent to harm; the child who is bullied is put in the position of oppression by the child who bullies.
3. Finally, bullying is a repeated rather than singular event.

Bullying is often confused with conflict or teasing and it is important to understand the difference between these behaviors.

Conflict is a normal part of life whereas bullying is a harmful form of peer abuse. Conflict is generally not a repeated behavior and there is a relatively equal balance of power between those involved.

Teasing is a normal part of growing up. Teasing is when everyone involved is having fun. There is an equal balance of power. It becomes bullying if one person is no longer having fun because the balance of power has changed and someone is being physically or emotionally hurt.

It is important to understand these differences and to report any concerns about teasing, conflict or bullying to school officials where the alleged behaviors are occurring. Be sure to contact the school and speak with a teacher or administrator to investigate the alleged conflicts that your student may be dealing with.

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