PENDER COUNTY, NC - Pender County Schools has recently updated its bullying policy to reflect a firm and immediate stance on addressing bullying in our schools. The district is committed to creating a safe learning environment for every student, and this revised policy underscores that commitment with clearly defined consequences for those found guilty of bullying.
Bullying is a social issue that negatively impacts 20% of students in a given school year. The consequences can be severe, not just for the students being bullied but for the entire school community. Case reviews by the US Secret Service reveal that nearly 50% of all acts of mass violence in schools have cited bullying of the perpetrator as a factor. Furthermore, 45% of students who are absent from school say bullying plays a role in their absence. Bullying is strongly correlated with lower academic performance, increased depression, anxiety, frustration, and students who are bullied are 8.4 times more likely to consider suicide.
What’s New in the Policy?
Definition of Bullying: Bullying includes repeated actions that cause harm, whether physical, verbal, or emotional, and can happen in person or online.
How to Report: Students and parents can report bullying anonymously through the district’s online reporting system or directly to school administrators. All reports are taken seriously and fully investigated.
Consequences for Bullying: Any student found guilty of bullying will face serious and immediate disciplinary actions. For a first offense, students will receive six days of out of school suspension. Additional punishments for initial offenses include:
Ineligibility for extracurricular activities, including athletics, for up to 90 days.
Loss of parking privileges for high school students, which means they will forfeit the right to drive to school.
Pender County Schools emphasizes that these consequences will be enforced swiftly and in more severe cases, students could face expulsion. This proactive approach aims to protect the well-being of all students and send a clear message that bullying will not be tolerated.
Dr. Brad Breedlove, Superintendent of Pender County Schools, stated, “We believe every student deserves to feel safe and valued. This policy is not just a set of rules; it’s a commitment to creating a supportive environment where bullying has no place.”
To learn more about the updated bullying policy, or to report an incident, visit the Pender County Schools Policy website.
