Bullying Definition in my state - Discuss

[2chatter]

Here's the new definition of bullying in our state. Discuss....

(From a local parenting board)
There have been some changes and it seems they are becoming stricter with bullying. Before if something happened once, it was considered a conflict. Now it can be considered bullying. Also before, if incidents happened off campus, the school could not do anything, but now they can.

Changes in bullying definition:

-A single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power

-Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school

-Infringes on the rights of the victim at the school

-Even of it occurred off campus

[2chatter]

rere by this definition the child harassing your son has absolutely crossed the line. In your case I would defer to DS "I can reach out to the counselor or you and I can come up with a plan". (The plan for DS might include avoidance, a direct polite response, engagement of a favorite teacher for advice, recording the student on his smartphone or reaching out to the student outside of incident to ask what his deal is - it really depends on what kind of kid DS is dealing with here and if he can identify that). Good luck!!

[rere]

2chatter Thank you for that definition. I definitely feel that should be the standard. I found that the school had an online link where any act of bullying can be reported by parents or students. I can apply some of that language.

[akafred]

To me, this is the key: "...that exploits an imbalance of power." It isn't bullying if it the "bully" doesn't hold a position of power or perceived position of power (such as physical size or strength or social popularity).

I also think intent matters, and age. The child has to understand that there is an imbalance of power, and has to intend to wield that power over the other child. A 2 year old cannot be a bully.