Bullying Prevention at Norfolk Public Schools

Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, is unproductive and unacceptable, and harms school culture and climate.  It further harms the individual lives of the students who are bullied, the bystander, and the bully.  Bullying should be prevented and intervention should be taken in cases where bullying has been reported or is suspected.  The School Board of the City of Norfolk, recognizing the negative impact of bullying on student health, safety, and on the learning environment, is committed to providing school settings that are safe, secure, and free from bullying of any kind.

What is bullying?

Bullying is any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim.  It includes a real or perceived power imbalance between the bully or bullies and the student who is targeted.  Bullying involves incidents that are repeated over time and may also include a single act that causes severe emotional trauma.  Bullying includes cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, and the Internet.  It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and social media postings. 

Bullying is not...

Bullying is different from peer conflict.  Conflict is a struggle between two or more people who appear to have different desires, goals, or opinions.  Examples of peer conflict include:

• Both sides are aggressive.
• There is disagreement
• Neither side usually enjoys the interaction.
• Often, an angry or frustrated person

Not Bullying List

• Not liking someone - Verbal and nonverbal messages of "I don't like you" are not acts of bullying.
• Being bossy - Someone wanting things done their way is normal.  Although this act is not pleasant, it is not an act of bullying.
• A single act of telling a joke about someone - Telling jokes about someone that is not intended to deliberately hurt someone's feelings is not bullying.
• Social rejection or dislike - Not wanting to play with someone or extending an invitation to a party is not considered bullying. Repeated and deliberate exclusion, however, may be considered bullying.
• Arguing with someone - People will inevitably disagree. 
• Accidental physical harm

Report Bullying

The Vector Alert Tip Reporting System allows safety concerns to be easily, quickly, and anonymously reported to school officials 24/7/365.  

Click Here to Report Bullying and Other Safety Concerns

Although all notifications made via the Vector Alert Tip Reporting System will be reviewed, reports may not receive an immediate response.  This site should not be used to report emergency matters involving imminent threats to life or property.  If your issue is an immediate threat, call 911.

Resources on Bullying

Bullying Among Young Children PDF Document

Children Who Are Bullied PDF Document

Children Who Bully PDF Document

Cyberbullying PDF Document