Lucas, Tim (Director of School Counseling)

 General Information

The US Department of Health and Human Services has explained bullying as “aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. A child who is being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Usually, bullying is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms, such as hitting or punching (physical bullying); teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying); intimidation using gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying); and sending insulting messages by phone or computer e-mail (cyberbullying).”

Bullying is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. If you discover a bullying situation, please speak up and contact your teacher or school principal right away. This is very important so that steps can be taken to protect someone who is being bullied to keep them safe and get them the help they need.

Web Based Resources

You can find some detailed information for helping and supporting someone who is dealing with bullying here:
https://www.lcps.org/cms/lib4/VA01000195/Centricity/Domain/127/bulling/tips/whattodo.pdf

You can find additional anti-bullying resources here:

• https://www.stopbullying.gov/
• http://www.pacer.org/bullying/ 
• LCPS resources: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1887#&NodeID=6083 
• Warning signs of bullying: https://www.lcps.org/cms/lib4/VA01000195/Centricity/Domain/127/bulling/tips/warningsign.pdf

Phone Numbers

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and in need of immediate support, you can access emergency help in these ways:

Through Loudoun County Mental Health Emergency Services, help is available 24 hours, 7 days a week for youth who are experiencing immediate and severe emotional crisis at 703-777-0320. Non-emergency appointments can be made at 703-771-5100.

In an emergency, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Deputy. Also, there are free, confidential 24/7 supports available:

• PRS CrisisLink: 703-527-4077 or text "CONNECT" to 855-11
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
• Children's Regional Crisis Response (CR2): 844-NCrisis (627-4747) in English and Espanol
• Hopeline: Chat at www.hopeline.com or call 800-784-2433

For the complete list of LCPS emergency resources, please visit: https://www.lcps.org/page/1817