Bullying Prevention

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 25-1.17 Student Safety – Bullying/Harassment Prevention Arlington Public Schools is committed to creating a safe, caring, respectful learning environment for all students. Bullying or harassment of students, including bullying based on an actual or perceived characteristic such as race, national origin, creed, color, religion, ancestry, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or disability, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Students who engage in bullying or harassing behaviors will be subject to disciplinary action. This policy applies to school buildings; school grounds; school-sponsored social events, trips, and sporting events; and to buses and bus stops. Bullying which occurs off of school premises, including misuse or inappropriate use of technology, is also prohibited and subject to school discipline when the order, safety or welfare of the school or its students is affected as a result of such out-of-school actions. Definition of Bullying/Harassment Student bullying or harassment is the repeated infliction or attempted infliction of injury, discomfort, or humiliation on a student by one or more students. It is a pattern of aggressive, intentional or hostile behavior that occurs repeatedly and over time. Bullying/harassment typically involve an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying/harassment behaviors may include: physical, verbal, or nonverbal behaviors. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, intimidation; assault; extortion; oral or written threats; teasing; name-calling; threatening looks, gestures, or actions; rumor spreading; false accusations; hazing; social isolation; and abusive e-mails, phone calls, or other forms of cyber-bullying.

Model Policy to Address Bullying in Virginia Schools

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/prevention/bullying/model_policy_to_address_bullying_in_va_schools.pdf