Incidents involving bullying, harassment, and violence not only compromise the safety of our students but also impede their ability to thrive academically and emotionally. We are dedicated to proactively identifying, intervening, and preventing any instances of bullying within our school community. Ensuring a secure and nurturing school environment is paramount for the holistic development of our students. Our core values of empathy, compassion, respect, responsibility, and cooperation unequivocally oppose any form of bullying. We earnestly urge all students, parents, and staff to stand against bullying and report any observed incidents promptly.

Understanding the nuances of bullying can be challenging, given its varied manifestations and sometimes it is difficult to define exactly what bullying is. Simply expressed: bullying involves repeated actions, is grounded in an imbalance of power, and causes physical/psychological harm. Bullying can take place face-to-face, covertly, and online.

A more comprehensive definition of bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical, and/or social behavior that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflicts or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved.

Recognizing that many incidents of bullying may go unreported, we acknowledge the hurdles victims face in speaking up. Fear of retribution poses a significant obstacle to reporting. Retribution, manifesting physically, socially, or emotionally, can profoundly affect how a student is perceived and treated by their peers.

To help mitigate this fear, we have an anonymous bullying reporting form, providing a secure and confidential avenue for students, staff, or family members to come forward and speak up without revealing their identities. Your commitment to upholding a safe and inclusive school environment is pivotal in fostering a positive atmosphere at IPS. Together, let us work towards creating a space where every member feels valued and protected.