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Bullying / Harassment

Bullying/Harassment: School Policy Definition

TMSA follows strict guidelines to protect scholars and staff.
Bullying/Harassment is defined as:

  • Repeated acts or written or spoken words intended to target, overpower, intimidate, or harass a person.
  • Making unwelcome advances or using any form of improper physical contact.
  • Verbal, physical, or written behaviors that shame, insult, or humiliate others.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sexual or racial remarks
  • Personal comments such as name-calling or teasing
  • Hurtful statements about physical characteristics (e.g., “fat,” “short”)
  • Displaying offensive material (including jokes, drawings, images, or cartoons)
  • Any speech or action that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning environment

Bullying/harassment may occur:

  • Student to student
  • Student to teacher
  • Student to administrator or staff member
  • Among any individuals or groups within the school community

Bullying and harassment are violations of Federal Law and violate the School Board’s commitment to providing a physically and psychologically safe environment for all learners.

Types of Bullying

1. Physical Bullying

Hurting someone’s body or possessions.
Examples: pushing, kicking, hitting, tripping, taking or damaging belongings.

2. Verbal Bullying

Using words or tone to cause harm.
Examples: name-calling, threats, teasing, insults.

3. Social/Relational Bullying

Damaging someone’s relationships or reputation.
Examples: excluding others, spreading rumors, embarrassing someone publicly.

4. Cyberbullying

Using technology to harm or intimidate.
Examples: mean messages, social media harassment, fake accounts, posting or sharing harmful content.

Bullying vs. Conflict

Understanding the difference helps families and staff respond appropriately.