• Understanding the Difference:  Mean, Rude, and Conflict

    At our schools, we believe it’s important to help children learn how to build healthy relationships and resolve problems in a safe and respectful way. Below is a guide to help clarify the differences between behaviors that are often confused with bullying.

    • Rude Behavior happens when someone is inconsiderate or impolite, but not necessarily intentional. This may include interrupting, bragging, or cutting in line.

    • Mean Behavior is when someone says or does something to hurt another person on purpose, but it might happen only once or occasionally.

    • Conflict is a normal part of life and occurs when two people disagree or want different things. Conflicts can usually be resolved when students are taught respectful problem-solving skills.

    It is not bullying when:

    • Students of similar age, strength, and size quarrel or fight with each other.
    • A student provokes another into a verbal or physical confrontation.
    • A student acts aggressively toward another student in the absence of an imbalance of power. 

    Understanding the difference helps us respond appropriately and support all students in learning safe, kind, and respectful behavior.