The national definition of bullying for Australian schools says:

Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).

Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include:

• Mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance)

• Not liking someone or a single act of social rejection
• One-off acts of meanness or spite

• Isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved.

Bullying has three main features:

• It involves a misuse of power in a relationship

• It is ongoing and repeated, and
• It involves behaviours that can cause harm.

If you would like more information or to talk please contact me here at the school. Nurse Rob, School Nurse.