Definition of Bullying

CPS Addressing Bullying and Bias-Based Behaviors Policy defines bullying as:

“Bullying” means any physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students, and meets all of the following criteria. Note: if the behavior or part of the behavior is bias-based or targeted at a member of a protected category please see the responding to bias-based behaviors guidelines.

CPS Addressing Bullying and Bias-Based Behaviors Policy defines bullying as:

  • An observed or perceived imbalance of power exists between the person(s) engaging in the bullying behavior(s) and the targeted student(s).

  • The behaviors are severe or pervasive (repeated over time), or there is a high likelihood that behaviors will be repeated. While bullying is often characterized by repeated acts, sometimes a single incident constitutes bullying depending on the severity and if other elements of bullying are present.

  • The intent of the person(s) engaging in the behavior is to cause physical or emotional harm to the targeted student(s).

  • The behavior has or can be reasonably predicted to have one or more of the following effects:

    • placing the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property;

    • causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health;

    • substantially interfering with the student's academic performance; or

    • substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.