Bullying Prevention

Definition of Bullying

MPS has a bullying policy, MPS Administrative Policy 8.52. The policy describes bullying as behavior (words or actions) done on purpose to cause fear or harm. Bullying may be repeated behavior. Bullying involves unequal power such as size, age, group size, or popularity. The Violence Prevention Program team is available to answer questions about the bullying policy.

It is important to understand the definition of bullying to know how it is different from other kinds of aggression. Bullying and other kinds of aggression must be handled differently.

The Difference between Tattling and Reporting

Students are one of the biggest influences in stopping a bullying situation. But students are often afraid to report what they see. It is important for students to understand the difference between tattling and reporting. Most often, tattling  is defined as telling in order to get someone else in trouble. Reporting  is defined as telling to protect someone who is being hurt or is in a dangerous situation.

How Families Can Help

• Talk to your child about bullying. Help your child understand the definition of bullying.
• Explain to your child the difference between tattling and reporting. Encourage your child to report anything they see that appears harmful or dangerous.
• If you witness or hear about bullying happening at school, please tell a staff member what you saw/heard. You could tell the teacher, school administrator, school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor.

• Download the free KnowBullying app from SAMHSA (available for iPhone and Android).

Click the links below for more information about what to do if you suspect your child is involved in bullying. There are resources for parents of the person bullying or the person being bullied.

www.parentsactnow.com

www.stopbullying.gov/what-you-can-do/parents/index.html

www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/