Anti-Bullying Policy
Bullying
Charlotte County Public Schools does not tolerate bullying. Throughout the school year, our schools do a variety of classroom, large group, and small group lessons on bullying and bully prevention.
Though we teach all of our students that bullying is wrong, it still occasionally occurs. And, while we would like cases of bullying to be reported to the administration, they are not always reported.
What is Bullying?
Bullying occurs when a person or group of people repeatedly hurt, embarrass, or frighten another person.
- Characteristics of bullying
- Intentional
- Unprovoked
- Reoccurring
- Difference in power (either physical or psychological)
- Types of Bullying
- Physical-pushing, shoving, tripping, hitting
- Verbal-racist, sexist, or bigoted remarks, teasing, threats
- Psychological/Relational-intimidation, spreading rumors, exlusion
- Cyber-electronic bullying through text/instant messaging and/or through the internet
- Bullying is not
- An altercation between equals
- Good natured playful teasing among equals or peers
- An isolated incident
Are You the Target of a Bully?
If you are being bullied during the school day, at a school event, at an after school program, or on the bus, it is important that you report it to a school administrator who can take actions. Remember, be SAFE:
- Say something to an adult
- Ask for help
- Find a friend
- Exit the area
Have You Witnessed Bullying?
If you witness an act of bullying, you should do the following:
- Refuse to join in
- Never fight the bully
- Get others to help you speak out against the bullying
- Distract the bully
- Report all bullying to administration
Reporting vs. Ratting
Ratting is telling an adult about a problem when you:
- Could solve the problem yourself
- Just want to make yourself look good
- Really just want your own way
- Want to get someone in trouble that you don't like
Reporting is telling an adult when you or someone else is getting hurt. It could be about a person's:
- Body
- Feeling
- Friendships
- Property
- Reputation
Parents - if you have a bully concern please let us know. If your child is a target and is being bullied or if you believe your child bullies others, please let us know. Open and consistent communications with the school will not only help your child but will help many others and the school. Unfortunately, some bully situations take a number of interventions before it subsides. Please continue to communicate with the school and provide any additional information that will help the school put an end to the situation.
Report Bullying Online
Use the Bully Report System to report bullying online and anonymously. Targets of bullies, witnesses, and family members, often feel that reporting will make the situation worse. While it may get worse initially, the administration feels strongly that if given the information, they will be able to address and stop the bullying behavior. The administration hopes that it may be easier and more comfortable for students and family members to report bullying online.
To report a bullying incident online, please go to the following link:
A bullying situation can also be report by calling the school, coming in to the school office, or having your child report the incident to an administrator.