Our Lady of Victory School takes the issues of bullying and harassment very seriously. The educators in our school continue to work extensively to help stop students who use this environment to intimidate others. As you may be aware, this type of behavior can happen anywhere to anyone from children to children, children to adults, adults to children and adults to adults. Unfortunately, we cannot stop people from being rude or cruel 100% of the time, but we should be able to provide an environment that leads to greater learning and a feeling of acceptance. As parents, we all hope that when our children are not around us that they have been taught the skills to act appropriately, however, sometimes they forget and need a reminder. I encourage each of you to sit down with your child(ren) and discuss with them how to choose kind words, how to follow school rules and how to be respectful to others and to themselves. I’m providing you with this information, in the hopes that we can work together to find a solution and create a safe and positive learning environment.
Bullying FAQ
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.
In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.
Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once.
Types of Bullying
There are three types of bullying:
Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Verbal bullying includes:
Teasing
Name-calling
Inappropriate sexual comments
Taunting
Threatening to cause harm
Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:
Leaving someone out on purpose
Telling other children not to be friends with someone
Spreading rumors about someone
Embarrassing someone in public
Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes:
Hitting/kicking/pinching
Spitting
Tripping/pushing
Taking or breaking someone’s things
Making mean or rude hand gestures
Peer Conflict: It is not bullying when two kids with no perceived power imbalance fight, have an argument, or disagree. Conflict resolution or peer mediation may be appropriate for these situations.
In order for the school to carry out its duty of providing all students with a safe environment in which to learn, grow and develop – the school seeks to enlist the support and cooperation of all parents in the school community. Bullying can come in many forms and can be very hurtful to both the target and the bully. Please talk with your child about the different ways bullying can happen and what to do if they see it. It is the responsibility of all of us (educators, parents, children, and community) to teach our children the importance of being kind and considerate to others. Thank you for all your assistance in discussing this issue with your child and in helping to create a positive environment, here at Our Lady of Victory School.
Sincerely,
Ms. Cristina Moreira
Assistant Principal