The TVUSD Board of Education is committed to creating a safe learning and working environment for all students and employees. The Board of Education recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance and desires to provide safe school environments that protect students from physical and emotional harm. District employees shall establish student safety as a high priority and shall not tolerate bullying of any student.

Under California law, “Bullying” is defined as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils that constitutes sexual harassment, hate violence or creates an intimidating or hostile educational environment, directed toward one or more pupils that have or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following as per 48900(r):
 

1. Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property.
2. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
3. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with the student’s academic performance.
4. Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Cyberbullying includes the electronic creation or the transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device as defined in Education Code 48900. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person's electronic account and assuming that person's identity in order to damage that person's reputation.

Students are encouraged to notify school staff when they are being bullied or suspect that another student is being victimized. In addition, the Superintendent or designee shall develop means for students to report threats or incidents confidentially and anonymously.

School staff who witness bullying shall immediately intervene to stop the incident when it is safe to do so. (Education Code 234.1)

When appropriate, based on the severity or pervasiveness of the bullying, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the parents/guardians of victims and perpetrators and may contact law enforcement. 

The Superintendent, principal, or principal’s designee may refer a victim, witness, perpetrator, or other student affected by an act of bullying to a school counselor, mental health counselor, school psychologist, social worker, student welfare and success personnel, school nurse, and/or law enforcement or other school support personnel for case management, counseling, and/or participation in a restorative justice program as appropriate. Education Code 48900.9 and/or law enforcement.