Bullying, Harassment & Intimidation

What is Bullying?

Bullying is intentional, repeated behavior meant to hurt, humiliate, or intimidate someone. Bullying involves a power imbalance and can be physical, verbal, emotional, or done online.

Bullying may occur when a student or group of students engages in any form of behavior that includes such acts as intimidation and/or harassment that:

• has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm or damage to property,
• is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that the action, behavior, or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive environment in the form of physical or emotional harm,
• occurs when there is a real or perceived imbalance of power or strength, or
• may constitute a violation of law. 

Bullying of a student or group of students can be manifested through written, verbal, physical, or emotional means and may occur in a variety of forms including, but not limited to:

• verbal, written/printed or graphic exposure to derogatory comments, extortion, exploitation, name-calling, or rumor spreading either directly through another person or group or through cyberbullying;
• exposure to social exclusion or ostracism,
• physical contact, including, but not limited to, pushing, hitting, kicking, shoving, or spitting,
• damage to or theft of personal property. 

Cyberbullying: 

Cyberbullying is, but not limited to, any act of bullying committed by the use of electronic technology or electronic communication devices, including telephonic devices, social networking and other internet communications, on school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists, or other District-owned property, and by means of an individual’s personal electronic media and equipment. 

What is Harassment?

Harassment is any intentional and unwelcome behavior by a student or group of students that is disturbing, threatening, or offensive to another student or group.

Harassment can be direct or indirect, including through the use of social media or other online platforms. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

• Stalking
• Hazing
• Social exclusion
• Name-calling
• Unwanted physical contact
• Unwelcome verbal or written comments, photos, or graphics.

Harassment means any unwelcome conduct by one student toward another on the basis of race, color, national origin (including citizenship status), religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), or disability that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive, and that effectively denies the targeted student equal access to the District’s education programs or activities. (Governing Board Policy 5-409)

A person is committing a threatening or intimidating act when they use words or actions to:

• Threaten to hurt someone or damage their property

• Cause serious public disruption, like forcing an evacuation

• Support gang or criminal activity by threatening others

These actions can be criminal offenses and, depending on the situation, may be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony—especially if done in retaliation for reporting a crime or to support a gang.

(A.R.S. §13-1202)

At our schools, we believe it’s important to help children learn how to build healthy relationships and resolve problems in a safe and respectful way. Below is a guide to help clarify the differences between behaviors that are often confused with bullying.

• Rude Behavior happens when someone is inconsiderate or impolite, but not necessarily intentional. This may include interrupting, bragging, or cutting in line.

• Mean Behavior is when someone says or does something to hurt another person on purpose, but it might happen only once or occasionally.

• Conflict is a normal part of life and occurs when two people disagree or want different things. Conflicts can usually be resolved when students are taught respectful problem-solving skills.

It is not bullying when:

• Students of similar age, strength, and size quarrel or fight with each other.
• A student provokes another into a verbal or physical confrontation.
• A student acts aggressively toward another student in the absence of an imbalance of power. 

Understanding the difference helps us respond appropriately and support all students in learning safe, kind, and respectful behavior.

Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Bullying
What to look for – and how to help

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🚩 Warning Signs:

🔦 Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Bullying
What to look for – and how to help

• Unexplained cuts, bruises, or scratches
• Few or no close friends
• Avoids school, the bus, or social activities
• Makes excuses not to go to school
• Takes a longer or unusual route home
• Sudden drop in school performance
• Seems sad, moody, or withdrawn after school
• Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints
• Trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams
• Loss of appetite
• Appears anxious or shows low self-esteem

🗣️ What to Say to Your Child:

Avoid asking directly, “Are you being bullied?”
Instead, try gentle, open-ended questions:

• “I’ve heard bullying can happen in schools—what’s it like at yours?”
• “Is there anyone who teases you or leaves you out on purpose?”
• “Who do you sit with at lunch or on the bus?”
• “Are there kids you don’t get along with? Why?”

Let them know:
❤️ You love them
🛡️ It’s not their fault
🤝 You’re here to support them.

🤔 If You're Unsure but Noticing Warning Signs — What Can You Do?

Talk to school staff. Start with your child’s teacher—they observe peer interactions and classroom dynamics every day. Ask:

• “How does my child get along with others?”
• “Have you noticed signs they’re being picked on or left out?”
• “Can you check in with other staff members who know my child?”

If you're still concerned, reach out to your school Social Worker or principal to discuss your observations and explore next steps.

🏫 What to Do If You Suspect Bullying:

If you believe your child—or another student—is being bullied, report your concerns.
📣 Reports can be made:

• Verbally
• In writing.  You may get the form from your school or click here: Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form . Remember to turn in your Reporting form to your School Principal or any staff member.
• Online Reporting: BullyReportForm

✅ Who can report: Students, staff, parents/guardians, or other adults can report to any School District staff member. Click on Bullying Flowchart

🕓 Once a Report is Received:

• The reporter is given a Rights, Protections, and Services letter.
• A school administrator or designee will review the report within 24 school hours to assess safety.
• An investigation begins within 1–2 school days, which may include:
  • Contacting parent(s)/guardian(s)
  • Following the discipline matrix
  • Developing an intervention/supervision plan
  • Providing peer mediation/restorative practices (if appropriate and not determined to be bullying)
  • Contacting law enforcement if necessary

🔒 All information will be kept appropriately confidential.

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💬 Final Note:

Even if it’s not bullying, your child could be facing other emotional or social challenges.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your School Social Worker or a mental health provider for support.

Signs a Child May Be Bullying Others
What parents need to know—and what you can do to help

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Bullying Others:

• Frequent fights or aggression
• Hangs out with peers who bully
• Often blames others; avoids responsibility
• Comes home with unexplained new items or money
• Worries excessively about reputation/popularity
• Shows little empathy; reacts with anger when questioned

What You Can Do

Step 1: Stay Calm & Get the Facts

•  Listen, write down details, and thank anyone who raised concerns. Avoid overreacting.

• Take time to process before talking with your child.

Step 2: Talk with Your Child

• Use a calm, supportive tone. Avoid accusations.
• Ask:
  • “Do you know what this is about?”
  • “What happened from your perspective?”
  • “Can you see how the other child may feel?”
• Make it clear: Bullying is serious and must stop.

Step 3: Take Action

• Support school policies. Work with teachers, social workers, and administrators.
• Stay in contact for updates. Don’t excuse bullying, even if it happened only once.

At Home

• Set clear, consistent rules and consequences.
• Monitor behavior—especially online and with peers.
• Provide positive outlets for energy and emotions.
• Spend time together. Praise good behavior.
• Encourage empathy, conflict resolution, and respectful talk.
• Model calm, respectful behavior in the home.

Avoid:

• Blaming others or minimizing their behavior
• Making excuses (“They were just standing up for themselves.”)
• Confronting other parents directly
• Praising aggressive behavior

When to Get Help: 

• If bullying continues, your child struggles with impulse control, or you’re unsure how to intervene, seek support from your School Social Worker or a mental health provider.

Remember:
Children make mistakes—but with support, they can grow from them.
Focus on solutions, stay involved, and guide with care.