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Bullying Prevention

MSD Commitment:

The Medford School District is committed to safe and welcoming learning environments for all students.

In our commitment to providing all students and staff with a safe learning environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed, the Medford District does not tolerate any student or staff member being bullied (including cyber‐bullying) or intimidated in any form at school or school‐related events, (including off‐campus events, school‐sponsored activities, school busses, any event related to school business), or outside of school hours with the intention to be carried out during any of the above. Discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age, or disability are not acceptable in our school communities.

What is Bullying?

Most children have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point. And it's not usually harmful when done in a playful, friendly, and mutual way, and both children find it funny. But when teasing becomes intentionally hurtful, planned, repeated, and/or constant, it crosses the line into bullying. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines bullying as, “Aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Typically, it is repeated over time.” Some parents may remember what bullying is from when they were children, and typically think of the bigger kids on the playground pushing down the smaller or younger ones; this is a form of physical bullying. However, the times are changing, and so has bullying. Bullying can be verbal or physical and has now extended to the new technologies available. There is an increase in cyberbullying.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology, which includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Cell phones and computers themselves are not to blame for cyberbullying. Social media sites can be used for positive activities, like connecting kids with friends and family, helping students with school, and for entertainment. But these tools can also be used to hurt other people. Whether done in person or through technology, the effects of bullying are similar.