Humble Independent School District policies target bullies

Superintendent Guy Sconzo says administrators and teachers will work together to stop bullying in the Humble Independent School District.

The Texas Education Code defines bullying as "engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and that," among other things, "frightens or intimidates another student," according to an Humble ISD press release.

"Unfortunately, people often dismiss bullying among kids as a normal part of growing up, that it is just the way kids are," Sconzo said in the release. "But bullying is harmful and can lead children and teenagers to feel anxious and afraid."

The school district released the anti-bullying statement after the issue strong-armed its way into national headlines.

"Those who bully thrive on controlling or dominating others and have often been the victims of physical abuse or bullying themselves," Sconzo said in the release.

The district said adults can help by letting children know the importance of reporting these incidents, providing a safe place to report thesm and by modeling good behavior, according to the release.

A form to report bullies is located at humbleisd.net/cms/lib2/TX01001414/Centricity/Domain/5/Student-Complaint-Form.rtf.

To learn more about the issue and its remedies, visit stopbullying.gov, cyberbully411.org or education.com/topic/school-bullying-teasing.