What is Bullying?

Per LCPS School Board Policy 8250, bullying is the systematic and chronic inflicting of physical hurt or psychological distress on another person. Furthermore, the Code of Virginia § 22.1-276.01 defines bullying as: “any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma.  ‘Bullying’ includes cyber bullying.  ‘Bullying’ does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict”.

 In “kid speak”, bullying is when someone hurts another person’s feelings or body on purpose, and they do so over and over again.