Bullying Prevention
What is Bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involve a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying can affect everyone—those who are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. (stopbullying.gov)
School District Policies...
"The Board of Education believes that all students are entitled to a safe and secure school environment, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior."
"This includes but is not limited to such expression, act or gesture directed toward a student on the basis of that student's race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, disability or academic performance. As used in this policy and as defined by Colorado statute, "sexual orientation" means an individual's orientation toward heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or transgender status, or another individual's perception thereof."
"A student who engages in any act of bullying will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the bullying behavior shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made."
Bullying or Typical Peer Conflict?
While any act of meanness, harassment, or aggression is taken seriously at High Plains School, it is important to make sure that the unwanted actions you are experiencing are indeed bullying. Consult the image below in order to decide if you are experiencing bullying or typical peer conflict.
Dealing with Peer Conflict
Four Conflict Resolution Techniques for School Children
Navigating Social life in Middle and High School
When to report bullying?
After deciding that you are a target of bullying, it is important to take immediate action, especially if the actions demonstrated by the other student/s are making you feel unsafe. If you notice that you are unable to concentrate in class, be happy with your friends, be open with your family, or are starting to see a change in your behavior and attitude as a result of how you are being treated, then it is time to speak up!
All staff at High Plains School have been trained to take every report of bullying seriously, and will follow specific steps to ensure that the bullying stops and that everyone is feeling safe and secure inside and outside of school.
While it is encouraged that you talk to someone, we understand that some may wish to remain anonymous when reporting bullying. You can click on the image below to make an anonymous report for yourself or for someone you know is being bullied.