The Armona Union Elementary School District is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and secure learning learning and work environment for students and employees, or any other person's within AUESD's jurisdiction.  AUESD takes a strong position against bullying or any behavior that infringes or negatively impacts the safety and well-being of students and employees and will take all necessary actions to stop it.  AUESD prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or participates in the complaint investigation process.

School safety isn’t just about addressing problems that arise, it’s also about supporting student mental health and providing education to prevent conflict in the first place. Learn about how to keep your student safe at school and online, as well as how to report bullying with our bullying prevention resources.

At Armona Union Elementary School District the physical and social/emotional safety of students is a top priority. Media coverage and research alike have shown that bullying can be a real threat to student safety and academic success. In response, AUESD has developed a comprehensive approach to preventing, addressing, and intervening in bully behavior, helping keep students safe and ensure a healthy learning environment.

Bullying can be manifested in a variety of forms that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cyberbullying
• Verbal Bullying
• Non-Verbal Bullying
• Physical Bullying
• Social or Relational Bullying
• Indirect Bullying

Bullying is part of a continuum of inappropriate conduct that may result in discrimination, harassment, and intimidation, and as such, violate District policies. Under California law, bullying is defined as any severe or pervasive, physical, or verbal act or conduct, including written/electronic communications, committed by a pupil(s), that has, or can be reasonably predicted to have, the effect of one or more of the following:

1. Reasonable fear of harm to person or property.
2. Substantially detrimental effect on physical or mental health.
3. Substantial interference with academic performance.
4. Substantial interference with the individual’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the programs or services provided by the District.

Students and parents are strongly encouraged to report bullying to school administrators, counselors, faculty, or staff members. District employees are obligated to report bullying and follow appropriate reporting guidelines. The District prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports, participates in, or files a complaint of bullying.

Given the power of social media to provide instant and far-reaching communication, it can be easy to “blame technology”; however, it is a social problem.  Parents and caregivers must know when it is appropriate for their child to open and use social media accounts.

What can parents and caregivers do to protect their students on social media?

• Be on the same apps as your children. If your kids use Snapchat, Instagram, etc, set up an account, spend time on the app, have them teach you how it works, get familiar with where private messaging happens on the app, and monitor them regularly. Also be aware of “fake” accounts – many youth will have one account that they allow family to monitor and another that is just for friends.  You will always be the best tool for keeping your kids safe
• Talk to your children and remind them that they do not need “honest” feedback from strangers
• Teach your children to avoid gossiping both offline and online – even if they are “anonymous”
• Discuss the dangers of anonymous apps and how they can have an impact on real life
• Follow our suggestions to help your child prepare for the responsibility of being on social media:
  • Ages 0-13: Private
  • Ages 13: Have a family discussion regarding what should go public
  • Age 14-15: Build a personal website and post positive volunteer photos (and accomplishments/projects) online
  • Age 17: Colleges should be able to find a positive online footprint for your student

Minimum Age Requirements for Various Social Media Platforms:

• Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Kik, and Snapchat:  13 years old
• LinkedIn: 14 years old
• WhatsApp: 16 years old
• Tinder: 17 years old.

Some platforms, such as YouTube, WeChat and Kik, have a minimum age required of 18, although kids aged 13-17 can sign up with parent’s permission.