Bullying Prevention

Bullying in any of its forms is not tolerated in ACPS

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is strongly committed to creating a safe and positive school environment in which the academic performance and social, emotional and physical well-being of all students is supported. The ACPS Department of Student Services, Alternative Programs and Equity supports programs and staff that promote healthy, caring, and responsible behaviors among students.

What is Bullying?

Bullying, harassment and intimidation are not tolerated in ACPS. As per § 22.1-276.01 of the Code of Virginia, bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate or humiliate the targeted person, involves a real or perceived imbalance of power or strength, and is typically repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma.

Bullying can take a variety of forms, such as:

• Verbal bullying, which includes name calling, making threats, insults, intimidation, remarks regarding race, gender, religion, physical abilities, sexual orientation, physical characteristics or other forms of verbal abuse.

• Physical bullying, which consists of hitting, kicking, tripping, spitting, pinching, pushing, or damaging someone's property.

• Relational or social bullying, which is designed to hurt someone's reputation or relationships. It includes:

  • spreading rumors

  • embarrassing or humiliating someone publicly

  • excluding or encouraging others to exclude someone

• Cyberbullying, which is taunting or humiliation through the use of electronic technology such as cell phones, computers, tablets and communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat and websites. It includes:

  • mean text messages and emails

  • rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites

  • posting embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake online profiles

• Bullying does not include:

  • ordinary teasing or horseplay

  • mutual arguments or peer conflict

  • isolated acts of meanness, aggression, social rejection or fights

• Bullying can have damaging effects on those targeted by the behavior, those who witness the behavior and those who engage in the behavior. In some cases, the negative impact of bullying can be long term and has the potential to cause emotional trauma.

Contact Information

ACPS Department of Student Services, Alternative Programs and Equity
703-619-8036
ACPS Student Code of Conduct