• Report an Incident of Bullying or Harassment

    Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits.

    If you fear that you or another student is in immediate danger, contact your building principal immediately.

      What is bullying?

      • What qualifies as bullying behavior?

        Qualifiers Conflict Rude Mean Bullying
        Frequency Occasional Occasional Once or Twice Frequent; repeated
        Intent Not planned; in the heat of the moment Spontaneous; unintentional Intentional Planned; intentional
        Who is hurt? All parties are upset Can cause hurt feelings; upset Can hurt others deeply The target of the bullying is upset
        Cause All parties want to work things out Based in thoughtlessness, poor manners or narcissism Based in anger; impulsive cruelty The bully is trying to gain control over the target
        Taking Responsibility All parties will accept responsibility Rude person accepts responsibility Behavior is often regretted The bully blames the target
        Who wants resolution? An effort is made by all parties to resolve the problem -- -- The target wants to stop the bully's behavior, but the bully does not
        Resolution Can be resolved through mediation Building social skills could be of benefit Needs to be addressed; should NOT be ignored CANNOT be resolved through mediation

        Source: Jennifer Astles, DASA Newsletter, January 2014, TST BOCES

      Bullying F.A.Q.s

      • What can I do if my child is being bullied at school?

      • If my child is being bullied outside of school, what is the school’s responsibility?

      • If I file a report of bullying with the school, what follow-up communication can I expect?

      • If I am not satisfied with the school’s response after filing a report, what next steps can I take?