District 68 Philosophy Statement Bullying & Hurtful Teasing

The community of Skokie School District 68, including students, their parents, and staff, believes that every child in our school community is entitled to a safe school environment free from the harassment of bullying and hurtful teasing. Bullying is when a student is repeatedly and intentionally made to feel uncomfortable, threatened, and/or hurt physically or emotionally by another student or group of students. Bullying and hurtful teasing, when not addressed, have short-term consequences and may have long-term emotional consequences for all involved.  Members of the school community should show tolerance for others and respect differences.  Individuals or groups should not bully, hurtfully tease, or intentionally isolate others. District 68 is committed to prevention by establishing and supporting programs that teach respect, tolerance, and empowerment. District 68 expects bystanders to take an active role in identifying, reporting, and/or directly intervening when bullying, hurtful teasing, or intentional isolation of others is observed. District 68, through strong district-wide policies and practices, supports a safe school environment where bullying and hurtful teasing is not tolerated. District 68 will provide direct, personalized strategies and interventions for all the individuals involved in an incident of bullying. All staff and parents are expected to take an active role in identifying, reporting and/or directly intervening when bullying or hurtful teasing is observed.