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Response to Bullying Reports

Bullying Definition

Wissahickon School District prohibits all forms of bullying by district students. The bullying/cyber-bulling definition​ in WSD Board Policy No. 249.1 based on PDE's Definition of Bullying​ follows:

Bullying (physical, verbal, cyber-bullying) is an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student(s), which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following: substantial interference with a student’s education; creating of a threatening environment; substantial disruption of the order operations of the school. 

For “bullying behavior” to exist, it must meet all three of the following criteria:

  • The behavior must be pervasive with a pattern of such behavior over a period of time.​

  • There must be an imbalance of power between the student demonstrating the alleged bullying behavior and the target of such alleged bullying behavior.​

  • There must be a clear intention for the student demonstrating the alleged bullying behavior to harm the target of such alleged bullying behavior.​​

Related definitions:

  • School setting: In the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school.
  • District student: Any student enrolled in any school in the Wissahickon School District or any student transported on Wissahickon School District vehicles. 

  • Bystander: Witness to or aware of alleged bullying behavior but remains neutral​

  • ​Defender: The individual attempts to stop the alleged bullying behavior​

  • Supporter: An individual supports the student, demonstrating the alleged bullying behavior, and may or may not take an active part in the alleged bullying behavior​

  • ​Target: The victim of the alleged bullying behavior

Bullying Investigations 

Oral and written complaints of bullying are investigated promptly. Supportive measures are immediately put into place. Appropriate corrective or preventative action is taken when allegations are substantiated. 

When a student’s behavior indicates a threat to the safety of the student, other students, school employees, school facilities, the community, or others, district staff will report the student to the threat assessment team, in accordance with applicable law and Board policy.

Investigation Steps:

  • Interview the target first​

  • Interview the defender​

  • Interview any bystanders and supporters​

  • Interview professional and support staff​

  • Consider any outside documentation, medical​

  • Complete the investigation form​

  • Findings are shared with families and then with students​

  • If necessary, a Safety Plan is developed for the Target Student​

  • Consequences from the Code of Student Conduct are appropriately applied.​

Consequences for Violations

A student who violates the district's policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct.

Reporting a Bullying Incident

Students who believe they or others have been bullied should report promptly such incidents to the building principal or any responsible adult, who will then report the incident to the building principal or designee.

Students are encouraged to use the district’s report form, available from the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing; however, oral complaints are accepted and documented.