Bullying Checklist Scenarios

The following examples show how to apply the TxSSC Bullying Checklist to determine if a situation meets the definition of bullying under the Texas Education Code.

Scenario 1: Lee and Jessie

Lee waits for Jessie every day after first period and knocks books from Jessie’s hands. Jessie does not retaliate. This happens daily and creates fear and intimidation.

Checklist Application:

• Pattern of acts (happens multiple times)
• One student directed at another
• Imbalance of power (Lee is larger and stronger)
• Physical expression (knocking books)
• Creates an intimidating and threatening environment
• Occurs on school property

Conclusion: ✅ YES – This is bullying.

Scenario 2: Taylor and Devin

Devin spreads false rumors, sends unflattering photos, and posts hurtful content about Taylor online. Behavior happens outside of school but affects Taylor’s education and social standing.

Checklist Application:

• Pattern of acts (multiple texts and posts)
• One student directed at another
• Imbalance of power (socioeconomic difference and community influence)
• Electronic communication
• Creates an intimidating and abusive environment
• Interferes with Taylor’s education and disrupts school operations

Conclusion: ✅ YES – This is bullying (cyberbullying).

Scenario 3: Jordan and Dakota

Friends who trade insults and taunts about each other’s families. Both are the same age, from similar backgrounds, and exchange remarks equally.

Checklist Application:

• Pattern of acts exists
• Mutual behavior (both direct actions at each other)
• No clear imbalance of power
• Verbal expression only

Conclusion: ❌ NO – Not bullying, but intervention is still appropriate.

Scenario 4: Logan and Cameron

Logan and friends tease Cameron daily on the bus, throwing paper planes and making fun of him. Cameron starts missing school out of fear.

Checklist Application:

• Pattern of acts (several weeks)
• Multiple students directed at another student
• Imbalance of power (Logan’s popularity vs. Cameron’s shyness)
• Physical and verbal expression
• Creates fear, intimidation, and disrupts education
• Occurs on school transportation

Conclusion: ✅ YES – This is bullying.

Scenario 5: Parker and Morgan

Parker pushes Morgan to the ground and dumps her backpack after school (single incident). Off school property and not repeated.

Checklist Application:

• Isolated incident (no pattern)
• One student directed at another
• Imbalance of power (size difference)
• Physical expression
• Happened off-campus, not during school activity

Conclusion: ❌ NO – Not bullying under education code, but disciplinary action may apply.

Scenario 6: Jayden and Avery

Jayden steals Avery’s basketball, posts an embarrassing video on Twitter, and it’s shared widely. Classmates laugh at Avery in school, making it hard to focus.

Checklist Application:

• Pattern of acts (theft and online harassment)
• One student directed at another, then many join in
• Imbalance of power (age and grade level difference)
• Electronic communication
• Creates an intimidating, threatening environment
• Off-campus actions that disrupt school operations

Conclusion: ✅ YES – This is bullying (cyberbullying).