Bullying Prevention

Stand up and Speak Up! 
D51 
Bullying Prevention and Reporting Site

In Mesa County Valley School District 51, we want all learners and staff to grow in a nurturing, disciplined learning environment. This means we must work together to create a community of up-standers through empathy and kindness.

  • Did You KnowOne out of every five students (20.8%) report being bullied during the last school year (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2016).
  • Fifty-seven percent of students who are bullied do not report the bullying to an adult at school (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2016).
  • More than half of bullying situations (57%) stop when a peer intervenes on behalf of the student being bullied (Hawkins, Pepler, and Craig, 2001).
  • School-based bullying prevention programs decrease bullying by up to 25% (McCallion and Feder, 2013).
  • The top three reasons reported for being bullied are: appearance (55%), body shape (37%), and race (16%) (Davis and Nixon, 2010).



What is the Definition of Bullying?

Bullying is a serious behavior with three key features. In order for behavior to meet the definition of bullying, ALL THREE of these "PIT" factors must be present:
P - Pattern of Behavior
I - Imbalance of Power
T - Targeting

Pattern of behavior means the behavior happens repeatedly over time, not just once.

Imbalance of power means one person has power over the other, whether it's because the bully is larger, older, more popular, or has some other control over the other person.

Targeting means one person intends to hurt the other, and doesn't stop when they're told that they are physically or mentally hurting the other person. Their behavior is intentional, not accidental.

Types of bullying may include actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Adults can help respond to bullying by reporting the bullying to school authorities and, in severe cases, law enforcement. The person who is being bullied and his or her bully should not be placed in the same room for remediation, but parents can talk to each other about their children's behavior, as long as the conversation is civil. Parents should talk to school personnel about the behavior: while child privacy laws do not allow the school to reveal how another child is being punished, they can talk about next steps for helping your child and enact plans for improving the situation at school.

Click here to view board policy on bullying with legal definition of bullying.

girl crying with laptop
When is it not Bullying?

There are other types of behavior that don't make people feel good, but are not bullying. 

Peer Conflict
Peer Conflict happens when two or more people involved in the situation are mutually upset, both interested in the outcome, have equal power (age, size, social status, etc.), and will be able to work things out with an adult help after calming down. Peer Conflict can include saying mean things or physical contact intended to hurt the other person. Adults can help by assisting with conflict resolution and listening to both sides of the story.

Mean Behavior
Mean behavior is usually aimed at any person nearby when a person is upset, is not planned, and typically the person being mean feels bad when an adult points out the harm they've caused. Adults can help by responding quickly and firmly when they witness mean behavior and let the child know his or her actions were hurtful.

Bullying-Report-Button

Where to Get Help
Start by talking to a trusted adult, whether it's at school or at home. You can make a report in person or click the link above. Another way to report bullying (and a bunch of other concerns, such as a threat to school safety or suicidal ideation), is to contact Safe2Tell. 
  • Call 1-877-542-7233
  • Visit safe2tell.org
  • Download the free Safe2Tell texting app from the Apple or GooglePlay App Store.

StopBullying

Teens Against Bullying
Quote from Dr. Phil

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Important District Contacts

Position Phone
Safety Director 970-254-5172
Advocacy TBD

 Jason Talley
 Mental Health & Crisis Coordinator
District Safe2Tell Representative

970-254-5100 EX 11142

A Message from the Mesa County Valley School District 51 Board of Education:

All students have the right to feel safe at school. Kids need to stand up for what is right and take the lead in helping when they see bullying happening. Rules are set by our educational system and those who do not abide by them will be held accountable.