Bullying Prevention and Reporting

Jefferson School District is committed to maintaining safe school environments where all students are treated with respect. The information below explains bullying, why reporting is important, and how families and students can report concerns.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is intentional harmful behavior initiated by one or more students and directed toward another student. Bullying exists when a student with more social and/or physical power deliberately dominates and harasses another who has less power. Bullying is unjustified and often is repeated over time.

Bullying differs from conflict. Two or more students can have a disagreement or conflict. Bullying involves a power imbalance element where a bully targets a student who has difficulty defending himself or herself.

Bullying May Include

Picking on others.
Making hurtful and racist comments.
Any form of physical violence, such as hitting, pushing, or spitting.
Suggestive comments or other forms of sexual abuse.
Forcing others to act against their will.
Verbal threats of aggression against property or possessions.
Using put-downs or belittling others’ abilities and achievements.
Using offensive names, dehumanizing, intimidating, teasing, or spreading rumors about others or their families.
Acts of vandalism.

Who Are Bullies?

Any person who aims in some way to hurt someone else by causing either physical or emotional pain is a bully. Some bullies do the hurting themselves, some are ringleaders who get others to bully on their behalf, and some are members of a group.

Others unintentionally encourage bullies by being onlookers when bullying occurs; they fail to intervene or report the bullying. Often bullies justify their behavior by saying they were only teasing or having fun. If the person being teased does not like it, or want it, and yet others persist with it, then it is a clear case of bullying. It is cruel and unfair behavior.

Bullying Is a Serious Issue

Bullying is against school rules and against the law. The Jefferson School District takes bullying extremely seriously and will strictly enforce consequences for those involved.

School leaders can only investigate incidents they know about. It is critical that parents, students, and staff work in partnership to immediately report suspected incidents of bullying. All of us have a duty to ensure our schools are safe environments for all students. School leaders will immediately investigate reports and take action to stop bullying from occurring.

Bullying Report Form

A Bullying Report Form is available in the school office and online using the link below. This form can be submitted to the school office and will be delivered to the principal.

The principal will accept anonymous submissions; however, anonymous reports may make the investigation more difficult and prevent communication about the resolution of the complaint. School staff can also assist those who need help completing the form.

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