Bullying, as defined by Georgia law, is as follows:

An act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school-related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system (social media), that is:

1. any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or

2. any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or

3. any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that

• causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as such term is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-5- 23.1;

• has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;

• is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

• has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

The term also applies to acts of cyberbullying which occur through the use of electronic communication, whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment if the electronic communication:

1. is directed specifically at students or school personnel;

2. is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, and

3. creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students’ or school personnel’s person or property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.

Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature, transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photograph, electronic, or optical system.

Procedures may be developed at each school encouraging a teacher or other school employee, student, parent, guardian, or other person who has control or charge of a student, either anonymously or in the person’s name, at the person’s option, to report or otherwise provide information on bullying activity. Any teacher or other school employee who, in the exercise of his or her personal judgment and discretion, believes he or she has reliable information that would lead a reasonable person to suspect that someone is a target of bullying is encouraged to report it to the school principal immediately. The administration will investigate any report based on the nature of the complaint in a timely manner to determine whether bullying has occurred, whether there are other procedures related to illegal harassment or discrimination that should be implemented, and what other steps should be taken. Any report of retaliation for reporting bullying will also be investigated and addressed as called for in this policy and in accordance with school procedures.

Acts of bullying shall be punished by a range of consequences through the progressive discipline process, as stated in the Student Code of Conduct. However, upon a finding by the disciplinary hearing officer, panel, or tribunal that a student in grades 6-12 has committed the offense of bullying for the third (3rd) time in a school year, the student shall be assigned to an alternative school.

Upon a finding by a school administrator that a student has committed an act of bullying or is a victim of bullying, the administrator or designee shall notify the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the student by telephone call or through written notice, which may be done electronically.

Students and parents are officially notified of the prohibition against bullying and the penalties for violating the prohibition through the Student Code of Conduct.