GCS Bullying Prevention and Intervention of Harassment Bullying

GCS Bullying Prevention and Intervention of Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination in Guilford County Schools

What is Bullying? Bullying, harassment and discrimination can take many forms. Bullying is defined as: conduct intended to intimidate, discredit, injure or disturb a student/group of students to the extent that the behavior causes mental/physical harm and is sufficiently severe, persistent (happening frequently) and pervasive. Bullying, harassment and discrimination are serious and will not be tolerated and we encourage you to report by telling an adult and using the Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination form at your school or online.

GCS Definition: Harassment, Bullying, and Discrimination • Conduct intended to intimidate, discredit, injure or disturb a student or group of students • Behavior causes mental and/or physical harm • Is sufficiently severe, persistent and pervasive • Creates a learning environment that is intimidating, threatening or abusive • Can occur: –Face to face –In writing –Through use of electronic means –Cyberbullying – support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior (JCDAD-P: GCS Board Procedure)

School Violence Prevention Act and State Board of Education Policy Bullying or harassing behavior includes: Acts reasonably perceived as being motivated by • • • Race, Color, Religion, National origin, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Academic Status, Gender Identity, Physical Appearance, Sexual Orientation, Mental, Physical, Developmental or Sensory Disability or association with a person who has or is PERCEIVED to have one or any of the above characteristics

Types of Bulling • Cyberbullying – Spreading a rumor verbally, the bully emails or instant messages a rumor about another person, creating websites filled with false information. The common media of cyber-bullying include blogs, instant message systems, e-mail, chat rooms and text messages – any social media. • Social/Relational Bullying - consists of indirect, covert attempts to affect the target’s reputation or social standing. It may or may not include “cyberbullying”. • Emotional Bullying - Focuses on the victim's family and home are targeted also; happens when there is harm to someone's self-esteem or feeling of safety. Is common among girls, although some boys sometimes use it. Is the most difficult type of bullying to demonstrate or protect against. • Physical Bullying - Involves the use of physical force or intimidation tactics to someone's body or property. (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction)

To Report Incidents of Bullying, Harassment or Discrimination Go to: www. gcsnc. com Ragsdale High School webpage Quick Links (at the bottom of the page) Click on Report Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination OR Pick up a hard copy of the Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Form in the Counseling Office. Bullying, harassment and discrimination are serious and will not be tolerated and we encourage you to report by telling an adult and using the Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination form at your school or online.