Bullying Prevention and Intervention

What is Bullying? 

Student bullying or harassment is the repeated infliction or attempted infliction of injury, discomfort, or humiliation on a student by one or more students. It is a pattern of aggressive, intentional or hostile behavior that occurs repeatedly and over time. Bullying/harassment typically involve an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying/harassment behaviors may include: physical, verbal, or nonverbal behaviors. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, intimidation; assault; extortion; oral or written threats; teasing; name-calling; threatening looks, gestures, or actions; rumor spreading; false accusations; hazing; social isolation; and abusive e-mails, phone calls, or other forms of cyber-bullying.

At Hoffman-Boston, our students learn the 3 R’s of Bullying

Recognize – Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone keeps hurting, frightening, threatening or leaving someone out on purpose.

Report – Reporting isn’t tattling!  Reporting is telling an adult in order to keep people safe. Any time is a good time to report bullying.

Refuse – If you feel safe, 1) Get calm, 2) Stand straight and tall, 3) Look at the person you are speaking to, 4) Say what you mean in a strong, clear, respectful voice. Example: “Stop! We do not act like that here.”

Other resources

• Virginia Law: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/prevention/bullying/
• APS Information: https://www.apsva.us/student-services/bully-prevention/
• National Bullying Prevention Center: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/
• Bullying and Mindset: https://www.stopbullying.gov/blog/2013/10/23/why-we-don%25E2%2580%2599t-use-word-%25E2%2580%259Cbully%25E2%2580%259D-label-kids

Reporting

• Encourage your student to let a trusted adult know what is happening:
  • Student’s Teacher
  • School Counselor
  • School Administrator
  • Extended Day Director (if occurring in Extended Day)
• Follow up
• Report using our Bullying Report Form