The Orange Unified School District (OUSD) is deeply committed to providing a safe, supportive, and healthy learning environment for all students. Every student has the right to attend school without fear of intimidation or harm.

To uphold this commitment, OUSD, alongside our schools and community partners, actively promotes a culture of mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance. Bullying in any form is not tolerated. All students and staff are expected to report any observed or suspected bullying to school administration immediately so that it can be investigated and addressed appropriately.

OUSD takes a proactive role in the fight against bullying by educating and engaging all members of our school community—including parents, students, educators, administrators, lawmakers, law enforcement, mental health professionals, volunteers, and community organizations. Together, we work to raise awareness about the profound and lasting impact bullying can have on students’ well-being and academic success.

Bullying can occur at any age and in any educational setting. OUSD believes in taking immediate action when bullying is reported. The longer a student experiences bullying, the greater the risk of long-term emotional and psychological harm.

Bullying prevention is not just a policy—it is a priority. Through education, intervention, and community collaboration, we are committed to creating safe and inclusive schools where every student can thrive.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. This behavior is typically repeated—or has the potential to be repeated—over time. Both children who are bullied and those who bully others may experience profound and lasting emotional, social, or academic challenges (Source: StopBullying.gov). Bullying includes, but is not limited to, any act described in Education Code 48900(r). 

To be considered bullying, the behavior must meet the following criteria:

1. Imbalance of Power- Children who bully use their power—such as physical strength, popularity, or access to sensitive information—to control or harm others. These power dynamics can shift over time and vary across situations, even when the same individuals are involved.
2. Repetition- Bullying behaviors occur more than once or are likely to be repeated. A single incident may escalate into a pattern if not addressed early.

Examples of Bullying Behavior
Bullying can take many forms, including:

• Verbal bullying: name-calling, teasing, or making threats
• Social bullying: deliberately leaving someone out or spreading rumors
• Physical bullying: hitting, pushing, or other forms of physical harm
• Cyberbullying: using digital platforms to harass, embarrass, or threaten others

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs through digital devices such as cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can happen through text messages, apps, social media, online forums, gaming platforms, or any other space where people can view, share, or engage with content.

Cyberbullying involves sending, posting, or sharing harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It may also include sharing personal or private information to cause embarrassment or humiliation. In some cases, cyberbullying may cross the line into unlawful or criminal behavior (Source: StopBullying.gov). 

Common Platforms Where Cyberbullying Occurs

• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
• Text Messaging & Messaging Apps: SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger
• Instant Messaging & Online Chat: Direct messages on various platforms
• Online Forums & Message Boards: Reddit, Discord, and similar communities
• Email
• Online Gaming Communities: In-game chats and player interactions

Cyberbullying can be especially damaging because it can happen at any time, reach a broad audience quickly, and be difficult to erase. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond is essential for students, parents, and educators.

Being bullied can feel scary, embarrassing, and painful, but you are not alone, and bullying is never okay. You have the right to feel safe and supported at school. Here are some steps you can take:

If You Are Being Bullied

• Stay calm and assertive. Don’t give in, get upset, or fight back.
• Ask for help. Trusted adults, such as a parent, teacher, counselor, school administrator, or a member of the school staff, can help you find safe and effective ways to respond to these situations.
• Use your support network. Talk to friends, classmates, and adults. There’s strength in numbers.
• Write it down. Record what happened, who was involved, where it occurred, and who witnessed it.
• Keep speaking up. If the bullying continues, continue to report it until it stops.
• Get involved. Join a club, team, or group to build lasting friendships and boost your confidence.
• It’s not your fault. You are not responsible for someone else’s hurtful behavior.

If You Are a Bystander
You have the power to make a difference. Here’s how you can help:

• Speak up. If it’s safe, tell the bully to stop. Use phrases like:
  • "That’s not okay.”
  • "Leave them alone.”
  • "This isn’t funny.”
• Don’t join in. Don’t laugh, tease, or encourage the bullying.
• Help the victim leave. Sometimes, just walking away with them can make a big difference.
• Get others involved. Encourage your friends to support the person being bullied.
• Support the victim. Invite them to join your group or participate in your activity.
• Tell a trusted adult. Offer to go with the victim to report the incident.

Bullying often happens in silence. Many children who are bullied never speak up, and as a result, it can go unnoticed. Understanding the reasons why children may not report bullying is the first step in helping them.

Why Children May Stay Silent

• Children may not tell anyone they’re being bullied because they:
• Don’t recognize the behavior as bullying
• Feel embarrassed or ashamed
• Worry about appearing weak
• Believe they somehow deserve it
• Want to fit in or avoid standing out
• Fear retaliation from the bully
• Don’t know how to express what’s happening
• Lack a trusted adult to confide in
• Think adults won’t understand or take it seriously
• Believe nothing can be done to stop it
• Even if your child doesn’t talk about bullying, they may still show signs that something is wrong.

Common Warning Signs of Bullying
Be alert to changes in your child’s behavior or physical condition, such as:

• Unexplained damage to or loss of clothing, books, or personal items
• Bruises, scratches, or other signs of physical harm
• Sudden loss of friends or changes in social groups
• Avoidance of social situations or reluctance to participate in activities
• Loss of interest in hobbies or favorite pastimes
• Increased sadness, anxiety, moodiness, or signs of depression
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms
• Drop in academic performance or school engagement
• Expressions of hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm

What You Can Do as a Parent
If you notice any signs that your child may be experiencing bullying, take action with care and confidence. Here’s how you can support your child:

Start with a Supportive Conversation

• Speak with your child in a calm, non-judgmental way.
• Reassure them:
  • “You’re not alone.”
  • “This is not your fault.”
  • “We’ll work through this together.”
• Encourage open and ongoing communication.

Take Practical Steps

• Talk through the problem. Help your child explore safe and constructive ways to respond to challenging situations.
• Report the behavior to your child’s teacher, school counselor, or school administrator.
• Monitor social media and online activity if applicable, and discuss safe digital behavior.
• Empower your child with strategies to avoid or respond to bullying in the future.
• Stay involved. Continue checking in regularly, even after the situation appears to be resolved.
• Seek additional support if needed, through school-based counseling or outside mental health resources.
• Together, we can create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every student feels supported and protected.

Aligned with Orange Unified School District Board Policy 5131.2

Prevention and School Climate
Orange Unified School District is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. To prevent bullying, all schools shall:

• Establish and enforce clear rules for student conduct.
• Promote a positive and collaborative school climate.
• Inform students—via handbooks and other communication—about:
  • Anti-bullying policies
  • Reporting procedures
  • Consequences for engaging in bullying

Student Instruction
Students shall receive age-appropriate instruction that promotes:

• Social-emotional learning and self-esteem
• Effective communication and conflict resolution
• Character education and respect for diversity
• Assertiveness and safe online behavior

Instruction will also address the harmful effects of bullying, discrimination, intimidation, and harassment, especially those based on immigration status, religion, customs, or other personal characteristics.

Staff Training
The Superintendent or designee shall provide training to all school staff to ensure they:

• Understand legal responsibilities and district policies
• Recognize and respond to bullying behaviors
• Promote diversity and inclusion
• Intervene safely and effectively
• Report incidents promptly to the relevant authorities.

Supervision and Safety
All school sites provide consistent supervision throughout the school day to ensure student safety. In addition, each campus is equipped with safety measures, including surveillance cameras, to help monitor and maintain a secure learning environment.

Bullying or suspected bullying should be reported immediately to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, counselor, school administrator, or any school staff member. Prompt reporting allows for timely investigation and appropriate action to support the student and address the behavior.

When school personnel witness an act of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, they are required to intervene immediately, if safe to do so, and report the incident to a school administrator without delay. (Education Code § 234.1)

If bullying behavior continues despite early or informal interventions, a formal complaint may be filed in accordance with the District’s established procedures. Per OUSD Board Policy 5131.2, all complaints of bullying shall be investigated. If the behavior is determined to be discriminatory, the complaint will be resolved under the District’s Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) as outlined in Administrative Regulation 1312.3.

In cases where a student has been the victim of bullying as defined in Education Code § 48900, the Superintendent or designee may recommend a school transfer if it is in the best interest of the student. If the parent or guardian requests a transfer under Education Code § 46600, the District shall honor the request in accordance with applicable intradistrict or interdistrict transfer policies.

Parent Notification and Support Services
When appropriate, the district shall:

• Notify the parents/guardians of both the victim and the perpetrator
• Contact law enforcement in cases involving criminal behavior
• Refer involved students to support services such as:
  • School counselors or psychologists
  • Social workers or child welfare personnel
  • Restorative justice programs (Education Code § 48900.9)

Cyberbullying
In cases involving cyberbullying:

• Individuals should be encouraged to save and print any offensive digital messages they receive.
• Reports should be made to a teacher, school administrator, or other school employee.
• The Superintendent or designee may request that the social media platform suspend the student’s account and remove the offending content.

Discipline and Corrective Action
Students who engage in bullying may be subject to:

• Counseling or behavioral intervention
• Restorative practices
• Suspension or expulsion, if the behavior is severe or pervasive, as defined in Education Code 48900

All disciplinary actions will be consistent with District policies and regulations.

Below are helpful links to training materials, publications, and community-based resources designed to support educators, parents, and community members in recognizing bullying behaviors and responding effectively:

California Department of Education – Bullying Prevention Resources
Training materials and guidance for schools and families
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/bullyres.asp

Orange Unified School District – Counseling Services
Information on school-based counseling support and student wellness
https://www.orangeusd.org/departments/student-support-community-engagement/student-community-services/student-support-services

OUSD Mental Health Resources
Mental health services and support for students and families
https://www.orangeusd.org/departments/student-support-community-engagement/student-community-services/student-support-services/mentalhealth

OUSD School-Based Support Teams
Learn about the multidisciplinary teams supporting student well-being
https://www.orangeusd.org/departments/student-support-community-engagement/student-community-services/student-support-services/schoolteams