Bullying Resources

Lighthouse Christian School is committed to each student’s success in learning within a Christ-centered, caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying.

Bullying is different from conflict.  

Adolescent bullying is not about conflict, misunderstanding, miscommunication, “drama,” or related misconceptions. It is the deployment of repeated, superior power against another child, deliberately intending to harm that child for no justifiable reason. It is victimization without provocation. This power can take many forms, such as physical, social, and economic. But most of the time, it is verbal and designed to harm a child socially through humiliation, isolation, and threat of further abuse. (Coughlin, Paul. Free Us from Bullying: Real Solutions Beyond Being Nice, Leafwood Publishers, 2018, pg. 18)

Bullying = A negative pattern of behavior and imbalance of power, where one person aims to exert power and control over another person.

Conflict = A disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views; moments and situations of unkindness and meanness without a negative pattern or imbalance of power. 

How Lighthouse Teaches Students About Bullying

At Lighthouse, we have implemented The Protectors anti-bullying curriculum in grades 1-8. The Protectors curriculum focuses on character development and increasing faith, respect, standing up for others, and inspiring courage in all LCS students.  

Our school counselor and campus pastor teach The Protectors curriculum in every elementary classroom. They also present on topics like bullying and anxiety at both elementary and middle school chapels throughout the school year. 

How to Talk to Your Child About Bullying

If your child believes he/she is being bullied, here are some steps we encourage parents to take:

1. Ask your child clarifying questions about the situation. Try to determine if what is happening is bullying or conflict.
2. Thank your child for telling you about the situation and pray with them.
3. Decide who to speak with at Lighthouse about the situation. 

Contact LCS Staff for Help

• Before contacting Lighthouse, be sure to talk to your child about the situation. Ask clarifying questions to help determine if what is happening is bullying or conflict.
• Depending on the situation, decide who to speak to first. If occurring in the classroom, speak with your child's teacher. You can also speak with school administration, our school counselor, or the campus pastor. Call the main office to be directed to the person you wish to speak with or to set up an appointment. 
• Lighthouse administration will observe, investigate, and potentially discipline students in accordance with our Parent-Student Handbook.

Tips for Parents

• Encourage your child to journal, pray, and talk to a trusted adult when they experience or witness bullying or conflict.
• Point out examples of bullying and conflict your family sees on TV shows, movies, books, or in real life. Discuss how this makes your child feel and what they should do in that situation.
• Understand that sin is part of bullying, and that Jesus and our biblical worldview encourages accountability, justice, and courage.
• Children learn the most about how to deal with bullying from their parents. Be sure to have conversations and check in with your child often.
• Encourage your child to not just be a witness, but also a protector, of others who may be being bullied.