Bullying and harassment support

Protecting a safe and supportive learning environment at ASU Prep:

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected and able to learn with confidence. This page outlines what bullying and harassment look like, how to respond and where to find support.

Read our school policy

Harassment, intimidation and bullying are prohibited

on ASU Prep school grounds and property, on school buses, at school bus stops, at school-sponsored events and activities and through the use of electronic technology and electronic communication on school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists.

Understanding the difference

Bullying

Harassment

Intimidation

Conflict

Bullying is any aggressive behavior by one student toward another student that:

• Involves an observed or perceived power imbalance
• Is repeated multiple times
• May inflict physical, psychological, social or educational harm or distress on a targeted student

Harassment is any unwelcome conduct by one student toward another student on the basis of identity that:

• May be related to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity) or disability
• Is sufficiently severe, pervasive and objectively offensive so as to effectively deny a person equal access to the Network’s education program or activity

Intimidation is any behavior by one student toward another student intended to induce fear of physical or emotional harm.

This may include:

• Threats
• Coercion
• Actions meant to control or isolate another student

Conflict is not the same as bullying. Conflict is a normal peer disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views.

This may include:

• Disagreements or arguments between students
• Situations where there is no imbalance of power
• One-time incidents that do not repeat

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take many forms, and it’s not always obvious.
Some situations involve multiple types at once. If behavior is repeated, involves a power imbalance and causes harm, it should be taken seriously and reported.

Physical

Harm to a person or belongings

• Hitting, kicking or pushing
• Tripping or blocking movement
• Taking or damaging items

Verbal

Words used to hurt or intimidate

• Name-calling or insults
• Threats
• Repeated teasing that targets a student

Social (relational)

Harm to relationships or reputation

• Spreading rumors
• Excluding someone on purpose
• Encouraging others to isolate a student

Cyberbullying

Bullying through technology

• Hurtful messages or comments
• Posting embarrassing content
• Sharing private information

What is not considered bullying:

These situations still matter and may require support or intervention, but they are addressed differently than bullying. Understanding these differences helps ensure we address concerns appropriately and effectively.

• Students of similar age, strength and size quarrel or fight with each other.
• A student provokes another into a verbal or physical confrontation.
• A student acts aggressively toward another student in the absence of an imbalance of power.

What to do if bullying occurs

For students

If you are experiencing bullying:

• Tell a trusted adult as soon as possible, which may include:
  • Your school principal or assistant principal
  • A school counselor
  • Your school’s anonymous tip line
• Keep a record of what happened, especially online messages or posts
• Avoid responding in ways that may escalate the situation

If you witness bullying:

• Speak up if it is safe to do so
• Support the student being targeted
• Report what you saw to a teacher or staff member

For parents

If you witness or learn about bullying:

• Listen carefully and take concerns seriously
• Gather details about what happened and when
• Contact your student’s school to report the concern

Signs your student may need support:

• Reluctance to attend school or activities they once enjoyed
• Fear, frustration, avoidance or unexplained physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) linked to school or specific students
• Changes in friendships or social withdrawal
• Increased quietness, anxiety or distress after being online or on their phone

How we respond and support students at ASU Prep

• Reporting mechanisms

  You can report incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying to your school’s principal or any other staff member. Reports will be taken seriously and handled promptly and confidentially. Get tips for notifying the school about an incident.
• Investigation

  Upon receiving a report, the school will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts and take appropriate actions.
• Disciplinary actions

  Perpetrators of harassment, intimidation or bullying may face disciplinary consequences, as outlined in our District policies and in the Student Code of Conduct/Discipline Matrix.
• Supportive measures

  We will implement supportive measures to assist you during and after the resolution process, such as counseling services or academic accommodations, if needed. 

Prevention and support

Building a positive school culture

A safe school environment starts with clear expectations and consistent support. ASU Prep fosters a culture where respect, inclusion and accountability are part of everyday learning.

Read our policy on harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Student expectations

Students play an important role in creating a safe environment. This includes:

• Treating others with respect in all interactions
• Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right
• Using technology responsibly and appropriately

Family partnership

Families are key partners in prevention. You can support your student by:

• Staying engaged in their school and social experiences
• Encouraging open, ongoing conversations
• Reinforcing respect, empathy and digital responsibility at home

Talking with your child about bullying

Consistent, open conversations help children feel supported and more confident speaking up when something isn’t right.

Conversation starters

• What does a typical day with your classmates look like?
• Have you seen anyone being treated unfairly or left out?
• What would you do if something didn’t feel right at school/online?
• Who do you spend time with at school, and how do those friendships feel?

Questions to ask

• Can you tell me what happened?
• How did that make you feel?
• Has this happened before?
• Who else was involved or saw what happened?

How to respond supportively

• Listen without interrupting or rushing to fix the problem
• Reassure your child they did the right thing by speaking up
• Avoid minimizing or dismissing their experience
• Let them know you will work through this together

When to involve the school

• The behavior is repeated or escalating
• There is a power imbalance or ongoing targeting
• Your child feels unsafe or is avoiding school
• The situation involves threats, harassment or online activity

Resources for students and families

• Bullying prevention and education
  • National Bullying Prevention Center | Bullying 101
    Answers to common questions with visual graphics, articles and explanatory videos, including:
    • How is bullying defined?
    • Conflict vs. Bullying
    • What is the difference between bullying and harassment?
    • Does bullying happen more often than adults think?
    • What Are Some Common Misconceptions about Bullying?

  • StopBullying.gov
    Federal guidance on prevention, response and support:
    • Facts about bullying
    • Warning signs for bullying
    • What is cyberbullying?
    • Responding to bullying
    • Supporting the kids involved
    • Bullying prevention

  • Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
    Research-based strategies to prevent and address bullying
• Crisis support and immediate help
  • Child Crisis Arizona:
    Support services for children and families

  • Crisis Response Network:
    24/7 crisis intervention and support

  • Hospice of the Valley:
    Grief support and counseling services for all ages

  • 988 Línea de ayuda en caso de suicidio y crisis:
    Call or text 988 for immediate support

  • Teen LifeLine:
    Peer support and crisis resources for teens
    • Inside Maricopa County: 602-248-TEEN or (602) 248-8336
    • Outside of Maricopa County: 800-248-TEEN or (800) 248-8336
    • (800) 248-8336 Text, Talk, Act.
• Counseling and mental health
  • School-based services and support: 
    • Counseling
      Confidential counseling services are available to help you cope with the emotional effects of harassment, intimidation or bullying and develop strategies for resilience.
    • Peer group support programs
      ASU Prep offers peer support programs where you can connect with other students who may have experienced similar challenges.
    • Family services
      Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact school administrators or counselors for guidance and support.

  • Additional mental health resources: Local and national support services for students and families
    • Project IGNIS
    • Chicanos Por La Causa
    • Ebony House
    • Family Advocacy Center (City of Phoenix)
    • Mercy Care Crisis Services
    • People of Color Network
    • Southwest Behavior Health
    • Valle Del Sol
    • Drug/Alcohol Rehab Centers in Arizona
• Student rights

  Your rights:

  1. Safety and protection:
     You have the right to feel safe at school and during school-sponsored activities. Any form of harassment, intimidation or bullying is strictly prohibited. 
  2. Respect and dignity:
     You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity by peers, faculty and staff members. 
  3. Access to education:
     Harassment, intimidation or bullying should not interfere with your ability to participate in school activities, receive an education or access school resources.

   

  ASU Prep is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. You are being provided this Notice of Rights, Protections and Support Services in accordance with A.R.S. § 15-341(36) so that the Network can ensure victims of harassment, intimidation or bullying are aware of their rights, the protections available to them and support services the Network can offer.

We’re here for you and your family

Please contact your principal or any other staff member if you have an issue to report. We’ll work with you to address concerns promptly, support those affected and take steps to eliminate harassment, intimidation and bullying from our schools.

For more information about prevention and your rights under Arizona law, please refer to the Arizona Department of Education’s Bullying Prevention website.

ASU Prep student support services