Bullying
Bells Independent School District is committed to a working and learning environment that is free from any form of bullying and/or harassment. These forms of violence adversely affect the learning environment for students and destroy the overall climate of the school. Any incident of bullying or harassment will be regarded very seriously and may be grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
WHAT IS BULLYING?
- It is the willful, conscious behavior which hurts, threatens or frightens someone over a period of time. This behavior is systematic and ongoing. These negative acts are not intentionally provoked by the victims. It takes various forms; each of these forms may be manifested either overtly or subtlety:
- Physical bullying includes punching, poking, strangling, hair pulling, beating, biting and excessive tickling.
- Verbal bullying includes such acts as hurtful name-calling, teasing and gossip.
- Emotional bullying includes rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, defaming, humiliating, blackmailing, rating/ranking of personal characteristics such as race, disability, ethnicity, or perceived sexual orientation, manipulating friendships, isolating, ostracizing and peer pressure.
- Sexual bullying includes many of the actions listed above as well as exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual propositioning, sexual harassment and abuse involving actual physical contact and sexual assault.
- Cyber Bullying includes spreading rumors in chat rooms and posting pictures and or information on the Internet about a particular victim that is unwanted and may or may not be true. This includes inappropriate mobile phone text messages, e-mail, or voice mail.
WHAT IS HARASSMENT?
- Behavior that is offensive, intimidating or hostile; which interferes with individuals’ working or social environment; or which induces stress, anxiety, fear or sickness on the part of the harassed person. Harassment may take many forms and involve more than one individual both as the harasser and the victim.
- Physical harassment ranging from touching to serious assault
- Verbal and written harassment through jokes, offensive language, gossip and slander, letters, etc.
- Visual display of posters, graffiti, obscene gestures, flags, and emblems
- Intrusion by pestering, spying, or following someone
- Bullying as defined above
In Bells ISD we use the STOPit app for stakeholders to report bullying or harassment. STOPit Solutions is a nationally recognized leader in school safety and wellness. Everyone in our school community has access to the STOPit anonymous reporting app – a powerful tool designed to deter and promptly address instances of bullying, school violence, self-harm, and inappropriate behaviors. With the STOPit app, users can anonymously submit tips, attach photo or video evidence, and privately message school leaders with the necessary information to help everyone involved. In addition, when a student or anyone in our school community needs immediate support, the STOPit app provides direct access to the Crisis Text Line. Users can anonymously text with counselors (day or night) until they feel safe and calm. If you haven’t already done so, we kindly urge parents and guardians to download the STOPit app and become familiar with its features. This will not only enable you to guide your children in using the app but will also demonstrate our collective commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our whole school community. The STOPit app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
JOIN THE STOPIT APP USING ACCESS CODES BELOW!
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Access Code: BHSPanthers
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Access Code: PJHPanthers
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Access Code: BESPanthers