Bullying

A bully uses teasing, threats, or strength to pick on, frighten, or hurt someone or take what they want.

• Bullying is a form of aggressive and harassing behavior. This antisocial behavior occurs across geographic, racial, and socioeconomic segments of society.
• Bullying prevents its victims from enjoying a safe, stress-free living, learning, and working environment.
• Children who bully are at risk for juvenile and adult criminal behavior. Early intervention in the home, school and the community are the best hope we have of diverting people from this destructive pattern.

• Fear of going to school
• Fear of using the bathroom at school
• Fear of the bus ride to and from school
• Physical symptoms of illness
• Diminished ability to learn

Five elements of a threat:

• Willful intent of seriously injuring or killing a person
• The threat was made verbally, in writing or through electronic communication
• Statement is understood as a threat, regardless of if the threat were able to or intended to be carried out
• Aggressor has present ability to carry out the threat
• A reasonable fear for safety after the threat was made