When The School Calls It Bullying
S.C. Code 59-63-120 and S.C. Code 59-63-140 — a definition, a duty to report, and a district policy with an anonymous report
Harassment, intimidation or bullying is a gesture, electronic communication, or written, verbal, physical or sexual act reasonably perceived to harm a student physically or emotionally, damage the student's property, put the student in reasonable fear of harm, or insult or demean a student in a way that substantially disrupts the school.
School means the classroom and premises, the bus and the bus stop, school-sponsored events wherever they are held, and any other program where the school is responsible for the child.
Witnesses must report. No one may bully a student, or retaliate against or falsely accuse a victim or witness. A school employee, student or volunteer who sees it, or has reliable information about it, reports it to the appropriate school official.
Each district has a policy that prohibits bullying and retaliation, sets consequences, provides a way to report anonymously, names who takes and investigates reports, and requires prompt investigation of serious complaints. No formal discipline may rest on an anonymous report alone.
The district's own policy, published with its rules, carries the details. A particular case is a question for the school district or a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- S.C. Code 59-63-120 — Safe School Climate Act; definitions
- S.C. Code 59-63-130 — Prohibited conduct; reports by witnesses
- S.C. Code 59-63-140 — Local school districts to adopt policies prohibiting harassment
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.