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How to handle bullying

Welcome! As the school counselor at Black Lake Elementary, I’m here to support students, families, and staff in creating a safe and caring school environment. Below you’ll find resources to help you understand the difference between conflict and bullying, how we help children respond, and how parents can partner with us.

🤔 What’s the Difference? Bullying vs. Conflict

Conflict is:

  • A disagreement or argument between students.

  • Usually equal in power (both have a say).

  • Can be resolved with problem-solving and communication.
    👉 Example: Two students want to play a different game at recess.

Bullying is:

  • Repeated, intentional harm (words, actions, or exclusion).

  • Involves an imbalance of power (age, size, popularity, etc.).

  • Meant to hurt, control, or humiliate another student.
    👉 Example: A group repeatedly calling another child names and leaving them out on purpose.

🔗 Helpful resource: StopBullying.gov: What is Bullying?

🛠️ How We Manage Bullying at School

At Black Lake Elementary, we:

  • Take all reports of bullying seriously.

  • Work with students to stop hurtful behavior and repair harm.

  • Partner with parents to create safe plans for students.

  • Teach empathy, kindness, and problem-solving in classrooms.

🔗 PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center

🙋 What Can Students Do? Bystander Intervention

When students see unkind behavior, they can:

  • Stand up (use calm, confident words: “That’s not okay”).

  • Stand with (include the student being left out).

  • Stand away (walk away and don’t give attention to bullying).

  • Stand together (get help from friends or a trusted adult).

We remind students: You don’t have to solve it alone—asking for help is strong, not weak.

🔗 Committee for Children: Bystander Strategies

👩‍👩‍👧 When to Get a Trusted Adult

Tell a teacher, counselor, or parent right away if:

  • You feel unsafe.

  • The problem keeps happening.

  • You’ve tried to stop it but it doesn’t work.

  • Someone is being hurt physically, emotionally, or online.

Parents—please encourage your child to come forward early. The sooner we know, the sooner we can help.