Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power. Most often, it is repeated over time. ( From the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program) There are three kinds – verbal, physical, and social or relational.

Harassment means the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well being; or conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; such conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse includes but is not limited to conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex (Education Law §11[7].

Sexual Harassment is serious or perceived behavior of a sexual nature which makes someone uncomfortable. That person may become upset or avoid coming to school because of the behavior aimed at them. These behaviors include, but are not limited to: 

• Unwelcome sexual advances asking for sexual favors
• Jokes, comments, rumors, threats
• Physical touching, pinching, grabbing
• Sending texts, emails, posting on Facebook or other social networks comments or pictures that are sexual

The CDC released a uniform definition of bullying (2/14)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and with input from researchers and practitioners, developed a uniform definition of bullying. 

Bulling Definition:  Any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths who are not siblings or current dating partners that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted youth including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm. A young person can be a perpetrator, a victim, or both (also known as "bully/victim").

Bullying can occur in-person and through technology. Electronic aggression or cyber-bullying is bullying that happens through email, chat rooms, instant message, a website, text message, or social media.

The CROWN Act stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The CROWN Act prohibits racial discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. While DASA already protects the rights of all students to learn in schools free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying, it is now clarified that those rights include self-expression through hairstyle. Please click here to read more. 

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

• Why Cyberbullying is Different

Why Cyberbullying is Different

Kids who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are cyberbullied have a harder time getting away from the behavior.

• Cyberbullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. It can happen any time of the day or night.
• Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience. It can be difficult and sometimes impossible to trace the source.
• Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent. 

Effects of Cyberbullying 

Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.

Kids who are cyberbullied are more likely to:

• Use alcohol and drugs
• Skip school
• Experience in-person bullying
• Be unwilling to attend school
• Receive poor grades
• Have lower self-esteem
• Have more health problems