At the cornerstone of Catholic social teaching is the dignity of human life. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops confirms “that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.”
As Catholics, we are called to respect life and the dignity of the person. In the words of Saint John Paul II, “Life, especially human life, belongs to God; whoever attacks human life attacks God’s very self” (Evangelium vitae). Bullying is an attack on an individual and disrespects life. It damages the person and can lead to devastating consequences.
StopBullying.gov defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior, that also involves a power imbalance between individuals, and happens more than once. Types of bullying may include physical bullying, verbal bullying, social bullying, and cyber-bullying.
Harassment includes the elements of bullying with the additional component of relating to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other identifying characteristics. Harassment needs only to occur once.
Both bullying and harassment cause a disruption to the victim’s life and can cause fear of harm. Additionally, bullying or harassment can cause children to avoid school, damages self-esteem, causes social and emotional problems, including greater incidences of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Research also indicates there are lasting effects on the mental health of students who bully which may include substance abuse and domestic violence.
The St. Joseph School handbook, as well as individual teachers, set certain expectations with regard to student behavior. Teachers are vigilant and monitor student interactions throughout the day. However, statistics show that bullying behavior most often occurs during class transitions, in the hallway, cafeteria, and at recess where supervision is less direct. Nonetheless, school personnel will never tolerate any bullying on Diocesan school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity, whether it be on or off school grounds.
Parents play a key role in the prevention and reduction in the incidence of bullying. Recognize the warning signs, behavioral and emotional changes, that may indicate that your child might be being bullied, is bullying, or is witnessing bullying.
Learn what bullying is and what it is not. Horseplay among peers and conflict among friends is not bullying.
Closely monitor your child’s use of technology, especially social media.
If your child has been bullied:
● Let your child know that he/she is not at fault and did nothing to deserve this behavior.
● Teach your child self-advocacy skills & to be firm in response to bullying.
● Help your child to develop and/or strengthen friendships and interests which are positive and healthy and they enjoy and find success in.
● Encourage peaceful resolutions.
● Work closely with the school to address the problem. Understand the school’s policy on bullying and how they address bullying issues.
Students have the right to attend school and learn, unbothered by others. SJS takes all reports of harassment and/or bullying seriously. Please report all cases of bullying. Problems cannot be addressed if they are not identified. Your privacy will be fully respected in this process.