Belvedere is a Bully Free Campus

Goal BMS community is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment and will not tolerate bullying or any behavior that infringes on the safety or well being of our students and staff.

Policy All members of the BMS community have the inalienable right to attend a school that is safe, civil and secure.

Definition of Bullying Behavior that involves real or perceived physical or psychological abuse of power. Typically, the behavior is repeated over time and includes the use of hurtful words, posturing or acts. Bullying involves a desire to hurt + hurtful action + a power imbalance + (typically) repetition + an unjust use of power+ evident enjoyment by the aggressor and a sense of being oppressed on the part of the victim

How can this formulation help? First, it warns us against too simplistic a view of what bullying is. We will be less inclined to think that to counter bullying we must believe in the perfectibility of the human race. In the light of the conspicuous failure of organized religion over thousands of years to root out the desire to hurt, this target may be rather ambitious.

How can this formulation help? Secondly, it helps us to focus upon a sub- category of aggressive behavior which almost everyone abhors: the unjust use of force by more powerful persons or groups. We should remind ourselves that what appears “justified”, is constantly shifting.

How can this formulation help? If we are to understand and help we need to be cautious in appraising just where differences in power lie. The imbalance may be subtle.

How can this formulation help? Finally, it suggests that we should monitor the emotional reactions of the perpetrator and remember that they can change; And also tune in to the feelings of being oppressed that victims invariably feel, often, but not always with strong justification.

Verbal Bullying Hurtful name-calling, teasing, gossiping, making threats, making rude noises, or spreading hurtful rumors

Nonverbal Bullying Posturing, mimicking, making gang signs, leering, ‘mad- dogging’ stalking, using graffiti or graphic images, exhibiting inappropriate or threatening gestures

Physical Bullying Hitting, punching, pushing, shoving, poking, kicking, tripping, strangling, hair pulling, fighting, biting, spitting, slapping, scratching, throwing objects or destroying property

Emotional Bullying Rejecting, extorting, defaming, intimidating, humiliating, blackmailing, manipulating friendships, isolating, ostracizing, using peer pressure, or rating/ranking personal characteristics

Cyber Bullying Sending, recording or posting insulting or threatening messages by electronic media, e- mail, internet, or any other electronic or written communication including Social Networking sites such as MySpace or FaceBook.

Student Responsibilities Follow the BMS Bully-free Policy Encourage your friends to stop bullying Treat others respectfully Try to include those who are left out

Student Responsibilities Refuse to bully others Refuse to watch, laugh or join in when someone is being bullied Tell an adult when bullying is observed