BULLYING: DEFINITION

"Bullying" means engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the District and that:

1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or
2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.

This conduct is considered bullying if it:

1. Exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and
2. Interferes with a student's education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

Waco ISD uses STOPit, an online and app-based system, to empower students, parents, teachers and others to anonymously report anything of concern to school officials - from cyber-bullying to threats of violence or self-harm.

STOPit does more than just help schools address incidents and mitigate risk. STOPit will also help us go beyond reacting to bullying and inappropriate behavior, and instead start deterring it. As young people continue to engage more with technology every day, Waco ISD is taking a proactive step to empower students to become Upstanders in our community in the way that they feel most comfortable. Waco ISD believes adoption of STOPit is an important step in the continued effort to provide a positive school climate and a safe learning environment for students.

Our students will have access to the STOPit mobile app, which has two simple but powerful features.

Report can be used by students to report incidents to school contacts anonymously.

Messenger can be used to engage in anonymous two-way communication with school contacts.