Stop Bullying Now

What is Bullying?

Aggressive behavior may be bullying depending on what happened, how often it happens and who it happens to. Find out what bullying is and what the different types are. You can also learn more about other topics related to bullying.

Bullying Definition:

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. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Related Topics:

There are many other types of aggressive behavior that don’t fit the definition of bullying. This does not mean that they are any less serious or require less attention than bullying. Rather, these behaviors require different prevention and response strategies.

Early Childhood:

Early childhood often marks the first opportunity for young children to interact with each other. Between the ages of 3 and 5, kids are learning how to get along with each other, cooperate, share, and understand their feelings. Young children may be aggressive and act out when they are angry or don’t get what they want, but this is not bullying. Still, there are ways to help children.

Young Adults:

Behaviors that are traditionally considered bullying among school-aged youth often require new attention and strategies in young adults and college students. Many of these behaviors are considered crimes under state and federal law and may trigger serious consequences after the age of 18.

Alachua County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct states:

BULLYING AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT (Policy 5517.01)
The School Board will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any type, including sexual harassment.

• During any school education program or activity;
• During any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity or
  on a school bus or school bus stop; or
• Through the use of computers, cell phones or any other electronic
  means.

If you or your parent/guardian believes that you have been the victim of bullying or harassment, immediately report the situation to your teacher, school counselor, school principal/designee, or other school staff.

Filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting sexual harassment will not affect your status, participation in extracurricular activities, future grades or work assignments.

If you are found to have committed an act of bullying or harassment, including sexual harassment, or are found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying or harassment, you may receive behavioral interventions or be disciplined up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Alachua County Public Schools provides three methods to report bullying. 

1. Online Form--Submit this online complaint form
2. Telephone: Call the Bullying Help Line, 352-955-7200
3. Email: reportbullyingnow@gm.sbac.edu *Subject: Report Bullying

• Include the following information in the body of the email
  • Your full name
  • Name of the student being bullied
  • School the student attends
  • Your telephone number
  • Your email address
  • A brief description of the complaint