School & Education

Bullying is “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” Bullying can take on many different forms, such as harassment, threats, stalking, theft, physical violence, and more. Bullying often happens in schools and during extracurricular activities. Bullying can have negative effects on students, including depression and anxiety. 

Schools in Illinois are legally required to have policies to prevent and respond to bullying. These policies allow individuals to report bullying and require schools to investigate bullying claims. These requirements apply to bullying that happens in schools, at school events, on school buses, and at school bus stops. 

Learn more about bullying and cyberbullying.