Bullying Prevention & Reporting

Under DCSD policy, bullying includes written or verbal expression or a physical or electronic act or gesture, including cyberbullying, that:

• Is intentional, repeated or likely to be repeated;
• Involves an imbalance of power, including physical, social or socioeconomic power;
• Is intended to coerce, intimidate or cause physical, mental or emotional harm; and
• Creates an intimidating, hostile or significantly offensive environment or interferes with a student's learning or participation in school activities.

Bullying is prohibited against any student for any reason. Retaliation against someone who reports bullying is also prohibited.

View DCSD Bullying Prevention and Education Policy

Not every hurtful interaction is bullying, but that does not mean other harmful behavior should be ignored.

Rude Behavior
Accidentally or unintentionally saying or doing something that hurts or embarrasses someone.

Mean Behavior
Intentionally saying or doing something hurtful, typically as an isolated incident or something that happens only a few times.

Conflict
A disagreement between people who have relatively equal power. Both people are involved in the disagreement, and there may be an opportunity to work toward a resolution.

Bullying
Intentional, repeated or likely-to-be-repeated behavior involving an imbalance of power that causes harm or interferes with a student's ability to feel safe and participate at school.

When you're unsure, talk to a trusted adult. School staff can help determine what is happening and what support is needed.

Bullying can take different forms, including:

Physical Bullying
Hitting, kicking, pushing, damaging belongings or other forms of physical aggression.

Verbal Bullying
Name-calling, insults, threats, offensive remarks or other intentionally harmful language.

Social or Relational Bullying
Intentionally excluding someone, spreading rumors or attempting to damage someone's friendships or reputation.

Cyberbullying
Bullying through text messages, social media, apps, email, online games or other electronic communication.

Some harmful behavior may not meet the definition of bullying but could still constitute harassment or discrimination, particularly when conduct is directed at someone because of their actual or perceived membership in a protected class.

Report Harassment or Discrimination

Students should also talk with a trusted adult at Cresthill if they experience or witness harassment or discrimination.

Bullying prevention is an ongoing part of creating a safe and inclusive school community.

Cresthill uses Wayfinder as part of its approach to social-emotional learning and bullying prevention. The school also provides staff training, monitors student experiences and incorporates bullying and violence prevention into health and social-emotional learning.

When bullying is reported, school staff follow established procedures to investigate the concern, respond appropriately and provide support to students involved.

If you experience or witness bullying:

• Tell a trusted adult. Asking for help is an important first step.
• Be assertive when it feels safe. Clearly tell the person to stop and walk away.
• Stay connected. Spend time with friends and people who make you feel safe and supported.
• Be an upstander. If you see someone being mistreated, support them and tell an adult rather than joining in or ignoring it.
• Keep reporting concerns. If something continues, tell an adult again.

You are not expected to resolve bullying on your own.