Bullying Prevention in Minneapolis Public Schools

October is Bullying Prevention Month when MPS kicks off our violence prevention efforts for the school year.

What is bullying?

Bullying encompasses a wide range of behaviors that can hurt someone. This could include, but certainly is not limited to:

• Physical aggression
• Teasing or namecalling
• Spreading rumors and gossip
• Hurtful behaviors on social media
• Purposefully leaving someone out

It can sometimes be hard to recognize bullying. Hurtful or harmful behavior becomes bullying when one person has more power and uses their power to fight, frighten or exclude other people. 

How bullying impacts children

Bullying can jeopardize children's safety and can create both short and long-term consequences for all involved. Those impacted by harmful behaviors--whether an agressor, a target, or a bystander--may be more likely to develop academic problems and face social and emotional difficulties.

Is bullying a part of growing up?

Occasional conflict between two peers is a normal part of growing up, but bullying is not. During conflicts, both sides have equal power to solve a problem. When bullying occurs, however, one individual uses their power and influence to harm another. 

What should I do if my child is being bullied?

Children who bully may try to elicit certain reactions from the children they target. Help your child respond in ways that don't further bullying behavior, like

• Reporting the bullying behavior to a trusted adult at school or a family member
• Instruct your child not to fight back physically, which can prolong the bullying behavior and lead to injury
• Model positive relationship-building skills with your child, such as being respectful, self-advocating and demonstrating empathy

If you are concerned about bullying in your school, please contact your principal, child's teacher or school social worker. If the issue persists, you can click here for more information on resolving a concern

While people of all ages experience some conflict in relationships, learning to recognize and respond effectively to bullying can help children learn positive relationship skills that will last a life-time. 

Committee for Children: What Parents Should Know About Bullying

• English
• Spanish
• Somali
• Hmong

Additional Resources

• Start Empathy: Diversity and Respect
• Think Before You Click: Digital Citizenship, Electronic Aggression, and Cyber-Bullying
• Stand Up: From Bystander to Upstander