Bullying is defined in state law as a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that:

• 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;
• Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student;
• Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or
• Infringes on the rights of the victim at school.

Bullying includes cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is defined in state law as bullying that is done through the use of any electronic communication device, including through the use of:

• A cellular or other type of telephone                                  
• A computer
• A camera                                                                              
• Electronic mail
• Instant messaging                                                               
• Text messaging
• A social media application                                                
• An internet website
• Any other internet-based communication tool.

The conduct described above is considered bullying if that conduct:

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.

Bullying at school can occur in all areas including the gym, playground, bathrooms, and on school buses.  Bullying rarely occurs in the classroom or where adults are present.  Often bullies try to gain the loyalty of bystanders who want to avoid becoming the next victim.  

Students should be encouraged to speak up and tell a trusted adult when they experience or witness bullying at school.

For more information about types of bullying, warning signs of bullying, and strategies for students and parents please see this brochure.

If you see something, say something any time using Lorena ISD's anonymous anti-bullying, tips, and safety reporting system called CrisisGo. This system was put in place to empower students, parents, and community members to voice concerns to school officials. This reporting system can be accessed here.