Tustin Unified School District Board Policy (5131.2)

Tustin Unified School District Board Policy (5131.2)  Prohibits Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.*  BULLYING*:

 An aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Bullying can take many forms (both direct and indirect), such as hitting or punching, teasing or name-calling, intimidation through gestures, social exclusion and sending or posting insulting messages or pictures by cell phone or online.  CYBERBULLYING*:  Cyberbullying includes the creation or transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation  
DR. OLWEUS “TEST” FOR BULLYING BEHAVIOR*:   1. Specific Type of Aggression  a. Verbal  b. Physical  c. Psychological   2. Behavior is Intended to Harm or Disturb   3. Carried Out Repeatedly and Over Time   4. Imbalance of Power  a. Physical  b. Psychological   
HOW YOU SHOULD RESPOND TO BULLYING BEHAVIOR:   Student(s):  1. Report any instances of suspected bullying involving you or a fellow student to a teacher, counselor or school administrator as soon as possible.  2. If you witness bullying behavior, intervene (if it is safe to do so) or help to stop the behavior as soon as it occurs. Peer-to-Peer early intervention is proven to be effective in reducing bullying.   School Employee(s):  If you witness bullying behavior or harassment, intervene immediately and consult a supervising administrator to assure discipline and documentation are appropriately applied. (EC 234.1)  
• TUSD Board Policy 5131.2 and Ed. Code 48900 address the topic of Bullying.  • Dr. Dan Olweus, Ph.D. – Expert on Bullying Prevention / Founder of OBPP. • Bullying and Cyberbullying Definitions reflect OC Grand Jury recommended definitions from 2011-12 incorporating adjustments for AB9, AB746, and AB1156. 
If you have any questions about bullying or cyberbullying, please contact your Teacher or Principal. You may also contact: Monique Yessian (714) 730-730 (326) District Non-Discrimination Officer & Student Services Director