Reporting Bullying

Under Georgia O.C.G.A. § 20-2-751.4, "bullying" means an act, including an act that involves the use of electronic communication, that is:

• Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so, or
• Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm, or
• Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:
• Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education or otherwise substantially infringing upon the rights of a student; or
• Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment, or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

The term, "bullying" applies to acts that occur on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school-related functions or activities including, but not limited to, extracurricular activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system. The term also applies to acts of cyberbullying that involve the use of electronic communication, and originated on school property or off-campus conduct that involves the use of school equipment, including, but not limited to, acts that occur within a school-sponsored online activity.

"Cyberbullying" means bullying involving electronic communication, including, but not limited to, communication devices and services, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, cameras, computers, social media platforms, text messages, chat platforms, and internet sites. The term "electronic communication" includes but is not limited to any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data, or intelligence transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo-electronic, or photo-optical system. Such term shall include photographs, video, and audio recordings.

All reports of bullying are taken seriously. In CSD, school principals alert their staff that any such reports must be referred to the school administration. Reports of bullying or retaliation may be made by staff, students, parents or guardians, or others, and may be oral or written. Verbal reports made by or to a staff member should be recorded and submitted to the school administrator or submitted via the Bullying Report Form. School counselors and administrators can assist students in filling out the bullying reporting form. All reports of bullying are investigated at the school level by the school administration. After a report is made, the school principal or their designee will investigate, notify and update parent(s), determine if any discipline is applicable, and ensure follow-up is conducted as needed.