Victory Academy : Building Leaders of Faith, Knowledge, and Character
At Victory Academy, we believe that every child is created in the image of God and deserves to learn and grow in an environment marked by love, respect, and safety. Bullying undermines this God-given dignity and threatens the well-being of our students. As partners in your child’s growth, we are committed to preventing bullying through biblical values, clear guidance, and compassionate action. This guide will help you understand what bullying is—and what it is not—so that together, we can foster a Christ-centered culture where every student is seen, supported, and safe.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior that causes harm, embarrassment, or fear, often involving a power imbalance (age, size, popularity, etc.).
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
- Physical – Hitting, kicking, pushing, damaging belongings.
- Verbal – Name-calling, threats, mocking.
- Social/Relational – Excluding others, spreading rumors, public shaming.
- Cyberbullying – Harassing through social media, texts, or online platforms.
What Bullying Is NOT
Sometimes hurt feelings come from normal interactions. It’s important not to label every conflict as bullying.
| Not Bullying | Why |
|---|---|
| One-time teasing or rude comment | Not repeated or intended to harm |
| Conflict or disagreement between equals | No power imbalance or ongoing harm |
| Choosing not to be close friends | Personal choice is not exclusion or cruelty |
| Discipline from teachers | Correcting misbehavior is not harassment |
What the Bible Says About 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.
Signs Your Child May Be A Victim:
- Withdraw or avoid school
- Show anxiety, sadness, or aggression
- Have unexplained injuries or lost belongings
What Can Parents Do?
If Your Child Is Being Bullied:
- Listen calmly. Take them seriously.
- Affirm their value. Remind them they are loved and made in God’s image.
- Report it. Contact the school staff or leadership promptly.
- Pray together. Ask God for wisdom and healing.
If Your Child Is Bullying Others:
- Don’t excuse it. Help them take responsibility.
- Seek the root. Ask what’s fueling their actions—anger? insecurity?
- Guide with truth and grace. Discipline with love and restore with prayer.
- Partner with us. We’ll walk together toward healing and restoration.
Victory Academy’s Commitment
We are committed to:
- Promoting a safe, Christ-centered environment
- Teaching respect, kindness, and accountability
- Responding to bullying with truth, love, and justice
Contact Us
If you have concerns about bullying, please reach out to our staff or pastoral care team. Together, we can build a culture of compassion, courage, and Christlike character.
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