Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
ANTI-HARASSMENT AND BULLYING
Welcome to Southern Locals Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy Page
School Climate Mission
We are committed at Southern to create a bully free environment. RESPECT for others plays a critical role in the development of every student who attends Southern.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call, email, or set an appointment to meet with any of our teachers, principals, and counselors. The first step is an informal report with direct dialogue. If the problem persists, you may wish to file a more formal report.
Together, we can provide a safe environment for our students to learn.
Filing a Report for Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation
Bullying, harassment, and intimidation is defined by the Ohio Revised Code as an "Intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student has exhibited towards another particular student more than once and the behavior causes mental or physical harm to the other student, and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threading, or abusive educational environment for the other student." (ORC3313.666)
DON'T STAND BY - SPEAK UP!
If you see someone being bullied ... SPEAK UP! Most bullies will stop if a third party speaks up ... Follow these tips:
1. Don't join in or encourage the bully.
2. Try to calm the situation
3.Support the person being bullied.
4. Tell the nearest teacher or adult what you have witnessed.
WAYS TO STOP A BULLY:
1. Avoid the bully. Avoid places you know he/she will be.
2. Ignore the bully. Walk away; bullies want a reaction. Don't give them one.
3. Be confident, not aggressive. Use a firm voice to tell the bully to stop.
4. Practice - prepare for an encounter with parent/friend to best handle a confrontation.
5. Hang with friends who will stand up for you. Participate in school/community activities to make more friends.
6. Stand up for your friends if they are bullied.
7. Believe in yourself! Good self-esteem helps you cope with social issues ... like a bully!
8. Distract the bully by changing the subject; outwit them!
9. Remain calm. Self-control gives you power.
10. Avoid places where no teachers, staff, or any adults are present.
11. Leave expensive items at home.
12. Don't be afraid to yell; the bully won't expect that.
13. Tell a friend or trusted adult.
14. Block them from emails, phone numbers, and social networks.
15. If the bully makes serious threats online or in a text, DO NOT ERASE IT.
File a police report with serious and/or continuous threats.