Bullying is aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the target; involves a real or perceived imbalance of power between the aggressor and the target; and can be repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. 

Physical bullying may include: repeatedly hitting, kicking or shoving someone weaker on purpose.  Verbal bullying may include: teasing, putting down or insulting someone on purpose. Social/emotional bullying may include:  getting others to repeatedly ignore or leave someone out on purpose.  Cyber bullying involves using technology (cell, email, internet) to tease or put someone down.

Conflict is a disagreement, fight or argument between two or more people where each person involved is participating and are of similar status (popularity, size, age,  etc).  It may involve repeated discussion and actions by all people involved and may go on for a period of time before resolution occurs. 

If you feel a behavior or situation fits the criteria above for a possible bullying incident, please contact the Bullying Contact at your student’s school to discuss.  The Bullying Contact’s information is available on each school’s website.