2. What is “bullying”?  Bullying is defined as an act of repeated aggressive behavior in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically or mentally.

3. How does bullying affect schools?  It causes the student’s self-esteem to be lowered.  Some students “gang up” on other students, making them scared and uncomfortable.  Victims of bullying may lose their confidence in class, sometimes causing their grades to drop.  A school with bullying may lead to racism and an increase in gang activity.

4. What are the laws regarding bullying in S.C.?  (1) A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards.  (2) Harassment, intimidation, and bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, are conducts that disrupt both a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate its students in a safe environment.  (B) A school employee, student, or volunteer who witnesses, or has reliable information that a student has been subject to harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall report the incident to the appropriate school official.

5. Laws cont.  (B) A school employee or volunteer who promptly reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to the appropriate school official designated by the local school district's policy, and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures in the district's policy, is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from failure to remedy the reported incident."

6. Consequences of bullying  Expulsion  Suspension  Loss of respect  Victims may become depressed, suicidal, or turn to violence.

7. If you or someone you know is being bullied in S.C., here are some resources…  Tell a family member, teacher, or administrator  Call the bullying hotline  South Carolina School Violence Hotline 1-888-NO-BULLY