In Victory Academy, we believe that every child is created in the image of God, uniquely gifted, and deeply loved. As a Christian learning community guided by biblical values and the ACE Curriculum, we are committed to fostering an environment where each student feels safe, valued, and respected.

Bullying—whether in words, actions, or online—has no place in a community built on Christlike love. God calls us to “love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22), to protect the vulnerable, and to speak up for what is right. Therefore, we take bullying seriously—not just as a behavioral issue, but as a heart issue that affects identity, safety, and spiritual growth.

In partnership with parents and students, we are committed to cultivating a culture of honor, accountability, and compassion. Through clear teaching, intentional relationships, and restorative practices, we aim to shape not only strong minds but also godly character—because how we treat one another is a reflection of who we are in Christ.

Let us work together to ensure that every student in our care grows in confidence, kindness, and the courage to stand for what is good.

1. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is more than just a conflict or occasional unkind behavior. It is a repeated, intentional, and harmful action that stems from an imbalance of power, where one person seeks to hurt, intimidate, dominate, or exclude another.

Key Characteristics of Bullying:

• Repeated Behavior
  Bullying is not a one-time act. It occurs again and again, forming a pattern of mistreatment over time. This repetitive nature is what causes long-term emotional and psychological damage.
• Imbalance of Power
  The bully often uses physical strength, social status, access to private information, or digital platforms to overpower the victim—who may feel helpless to respond or defend themselves. Power may also be relational (e.g., popularity) or emotional (e.g., manipulation, threats).
• Intent to Harm, Intimidate, or Control
  The purpose behind bullying is to cause pain (physically or emotionally), create fear, or exert control over the victim. Unlike accidents or misunderstandings, bullying is marked by intentional cruelty.

Types of Bullying:

1. Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, tripping, damaging property, or physical intimidation.
2. Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, teasing, insults, threats, or hurtful comments meant to demean.
3. Relational/Social Bullying: Exclusion, spreading rumors, public humiliation, or manipulating friendships.
4. Cyberbullying: Bullying through digital platforms: social media, text messages, emails, or online forums. This form is especially dangerous because it can be anonymous, relentless, and public.

Examples of Bullying Among Students

1. Physical Bullying

• Pushing a younger or weaker student repeatedly in the hallway
• Tripping a classmate during recess and laughing with friends
• Hiding or destroying another student’s belongings on purpose

2. Verbal Bullying

• Regularly calling someone mean nicknames or mocking their appearance
• Spreading rumors to ruin someone’s reputation
• Threatening someone to make them do something (e.g., “If you don’t give me your lunch, I’ll hurt you.”)

3. Social/Relational Bullying

• Intentionally excluding someone from a group or activity and encouraging others to do the same
• Making fun of someone’s clothes, background, or accent to humiliate them publicly
• Creating cliques that target one or two students as outsiders

4. Cyberbullying

• Sending mean or threatening messages through social media or online games
• Posting embarrassing photos or videos of a student without permission
• Creating fake accounts to harass or impersonate someone

What Bullying Is NOT: Understanding what does not qualify as bullying helps prevent overreaction and enables healthy social development.

1. One-Time Teasing or Jokes

• Example: A classmate makes a sarcastic joke that isn’t repeated.
• Clarification: While it may still hurt, this is not bullying unless it becomes a pattern or shows intent to harm.

2. Friendly Conflict or Disagreement

• Example: Two students argue over who gets the ball first during sports.
• Clarification: Normal conflict or disagreements between equals are not bullying. Bullying involves intentional harm and power imbalance.

3. Refusing to Be Friends

• Example: A student decides not to be close friends with another.
• Clarification: It’s okay for students to have preferences in friendships, as long as they aren’t cruel or demeaning.

4. Disciplinary Action by Authority

• Example: A teacher gives consequences for bad behavior.
• Clarification: Discipline administered by teachers for rule-breaking is not bullying—it’s structure and guidance.

Key Differences: Bullying vs. Normal Conflict

Bullying	Normal Conflict
Repeated, intentional harm	Occasional disagreement or misunderstanding
Involves power imbalance (size, status)	Between equals
Victim feels helpless or afraid	Both parties may feel upset but have power
Causes long-term emotional damage	Can be resolved through discussion and support

Why Clarifying This Matters

• Parents are more likely to support and partner with the school when they understand the seriousness of real bullying.
• Teachers can focus intervention on genuine issues.
• Students learn to tell the difference between healthy conflict and harmful behavior, promoting responsibility and empathy.

2. Biblical View on Bullying

1. Bullying is a form of oppression—and God opposes it.

• “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” — Exodus 22:21 (NIV)
• “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court.” — Proverbs 22:22 (NIV)
• “Woe to those who make unjust laws… to deprive the poor of their rights…” — Isaiah 10:1–2 (NIV)

Biblical Insight: God defends the vulnerable and confronts those who use power to harm others.

2. God calls us to speak up for those who are being hurt.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
— Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV)

Application: We are called not to be passive bystanders but active defenders of the oppressed.

3. Harsh words and actions are condemned; kindness is commanded.

• “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint… The tongue has the power of life and death…” — Proverbs 17:27; 18:21 (NIV)
• “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”. — Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
• “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Biblical Insight: Verbal bullying—teasing, mocking, or humiliating—has no place in the life of a believer.

4. Jesus Himself identified with the mistreated.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
— Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

Reflection: When someone is bullied, Jesus sees it as something done to Him. He is near to the hurting.

5. We are called to treat others with love and humility.

• “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31 (NIV)
• “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility value others above yourselves.”
  — Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Biblical Standard: True Christian character is shown in how we treat those who are weaker, different, or excluded.

A Christian Response to Bullying

• Reject all forms of cruelty and power abuse.
• Protect the vulnerable and speak up with courage.
• Reflect the love, compassion, and justice of Christ.
• Restore those involved with truth, grace, and healing.

Three biblical approach to handle bullying in a christian school:

1. Prevention Through Teaching: Create a Culture of Christlike Love, Responsibility, and Respect

• “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10
• “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” — Philippians 2:3–4

Explanation:
Prevention begins with shaping the heart, not just enforcing rules. A Christ-centered school culture teaches students to see one another as fellow image-bearers of God, worthy of love, dignity, and kindness. When biblical values like humility, love, and mutual honor are consistently taught and modeled, bullying loses its ground.

• Love inspires students to care about the feelings and well-being of others.
• Responsibility challenges students to take ownership of their words and actions.
• Respect means valuing others—even when they are different or difficult.

Application:

• Integrate biblical character education into daily learning (e.g., kindness, patience, loyalty).
• Use real-life scenarios to help students practice empathy and conflict resolution.
• Empower students to be “peace-builders” who protect and uplift their peers.

2. Restorative Approach: Address the Bully with Truth and Grace

“If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” — Galatians 6:1

Explanation:
A restorative approach does not excuse wrong behavior—it confronts it with truth, but also with grace. Bullying is a form of sin, and the goal is not just punishment but transformation. When students are corrected in love, they are more likely to grow in maturity and character.

• Speak the truth clearly: bullying is harmful, sinful, and must stop.
• Extend grace: every student is redeemable and capable of change with the right guidance and support.

Application:

• Engage in one-on-one conversations with the bully to explore the root causes (anger, insecurity, learned behavior).
• Guide them through confession, taking responsibility, and making restitution (e.g., apologizing, acts of service).
• Provide mentorship and accountability to support ongoing growth.

3. Protection and Healing: Support Victims with Comfort and Advocacy

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Explanation:
Victims of bullying often suffer in silence, feeling rejected, fearful, or ashamed. As a Christian community, we must reflect God’s heart of compassion by standing with the broken, comforting the wounded, and defending the vulnerable.

• God draws near to the hurting—and so should we.
• Healing comes when victims are not just protected physically, but affirmed emotionally and spiritually.

Application:

• Create safe spaces and trusted relationships where students can share their pain without fear.
• Offer counseling, prayer, and biblical affirmation of their identity in Christ.
• Publicly uphold values of justice and protection to foster an environment where students feel seen, valued, and safe.

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Anti-Bullying Protocol for a Christian School Using ACE

A. Prevention

• Establish Clear Expectations: Integrate respect, kindness, and responsibility into school rules. Use ACE character traits (e.g., Kindness, Self-Control, Loyalty) as behavioral standards.

• Student Education: Teach what bullying is and why it’s unacceptable through devotions, chapel talks, and classroom discussions. Role-play scenarios to show how to respond to bullying.

• Staff Training: Train teachers and supervisors to recognize signs of bullying and respond biblically and effectively.

• School-Wide Culture Building: Foster peer mentorship and “buddy” systems. Reinforce a “No Bystander” culture—encourage students to speak up.

B. Identification

• Recognize the Signs: Victim: Withdrawal, anxiety, decline in performance, unexplained injuries. Bully: Aggression, domination, lack of empathy.

• Establish Reporting Systems: Anonymous reporting forms. Safe and non-judgmental space for students to talk. Regular check-ins with homeroom mentors or chaplains

C. Intervention

• Investigate Promptly: Use a fact-finding approach—listen to all sides calmly. Document incidents carefully.

• Address Behavior Biblically and Firmly: Guide the bully toward repentance and restoration. Provide support and boundaries for the victim’s healing and safety.

• Disciplinary Action: Based on the severity and frequency of the behavior (warnings, suspension, parental meetings, etc.). Include a restorative plan: e.g., apology letters, service, counseling

D. Restoration and Follow-Up

• Ongoing Counseling: For both the victim and the bully if needed. Reinforce identity in Christ and emotional healing

• Monitor and Reintegrate: Follow up with both students to ensure no recurrence. Encourage healthy peer relationships and reconciliation

Anti-Bullying Policy Statement

“As a Christian school, we believe every student is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and love. Bullying is a violation of these values and will not be tolerated. We are committed to preventing bullying through biblical teaching, caring discipline, and restorative practices. We aim to build a school community where all students can grow in character, confidence, and Christlike compassion.”

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