What is Bullying?

Bullying has become a catchphrase encompassing acts of poor behavior and/or aggression. California state law, specifically, Education Code section 48900(r), provides that behaviors considered to be an act of bullying must contain ALL of the following specific elements:

1. Behavior is carried out repeatedly and overtime or is a severe act that occurred once.
2. It is carried out through a physical or verbal act, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act (cyberbullying or cyber sexual bullying). 
3. The behavior is directed toward one or more students that has or can reasonably be predicted to place the student(s) in fear of harm to their person or property, substantially affect their physical or mental health, substantially interfere with their academic performance, and/or substantially interfere with their ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by the school. 

While not all inappropriate behaviors are classified as bullying, in Palmdale School District any incidences of inappropriate behavior will be addressed.