At our school, we use the following definitions to differentiate if student behaviour is rude, mean or if they are bullying.

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful and they do it once, that's Rude.

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they do it once, that's Mean.

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful and they keep doing it - even when you tell them to stop or show them that you're upset, that's Bullying.

Sometimes we can put actions or behaviours that are rude or mean, and label them as bullying. This is why it is really important that we understand the difference between the three.

It is really good for you to know the language we use with the children on a regular basis at school.