Anti-Bullying

The Irvine Police Department is committed to collaborating with community resources and our local school staff to empower students to recognize bullying and take meaningful steps to address the behavior. In partnership, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment where every student feels secure, respected, and free from harassment or intimidation.

Through our shared commitment, we focus on prevention, raising awareness about reporting bullying, and providing effective strategies for addressing and mitigating harmful behaviors. We want students and families to know there are many resources available to them, and we are here to support and stand with our community every step of the way.

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying can happen in person or through electronic means, which may be shared, sent, or posted publicly.

THE IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH SERVICES UNIT:

The Irvine Police Department’s Youth Services Unit is dedicated to supporting students and families. School Resource Officers, Middle School Officers, and D.A.R.E. Officers focus on building relationships with students, staff, and families.

Through the Youth Services Unit, the Irvine Police Department:

  • Delivers targeted bullying prevention curriculum to 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students as part of the D.A.R.E. and Middle School S.E.A.M.S. Programs.
  • Lessons focus on:
    • Defining and recognizing bullying behavior
    • Understanding different types of bullying: verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying
    • Exploring the legal and educational consequences of bullying
    • Identifying appropriate reporting mechanisms
  • Officers also teach “Building Resilience and Social Skills” classes to help students develop strategies for responding to bullying safely and effectively.
  • The goal is to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and support their peers through proactive education.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS:

City of Irvine Youth Action Team (YAT):

  • Comprises a High School Youth Action Team and a Middle School Program supporting anti-bullying and positive youth development initiatives.
  • The Middle School Program focuses on engaging students through:
    • Positive social-recreational activities
    • On-campus prevention and education campaigns
    • Character development programs
  • Youth are encouraged to participate in teen camps, sports sessions, special events, and youth conferences/forums that promote inclusion, leadership, and respectful behavior.
  • More information about the Middle School Program

City of Irvine – I-CARE Team & Mental Health Support Services:

  • The Irvine Community Alternative Response and Engagement (I-CARE) team provides compassionate, community-based support to individuals experiencing mental illness or crisis.
  • The Irvine Police Department supports these efforts through:
    • A dedicated Mental Health Outreach Unit
    • A partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency
    • Collaboration with the City’s Community Services Department
  • Services include follow-up and ongoing support to ensure continuity of care.
  • More information about the I-CARE Team

Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) – Mental Health & Wellness Vision:

______________________________________________________________________

Sandy Hook Promise – Anonymous Reporting Platform:

  • Irvine Unified School District has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise to provide an anonymous reporting system for middle and high school students to safely report bullying in all forms, as well as other safety concerns.
  • The program supports a broader mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.
  • Learn more about Sandy Hook Promise
  • The Irvine Police Department investigates severe cases determined to be possibly life-threatening in nature. If you believe a crime or an emergency is occurring, contact the Irvine Police Department at 949-724-7200 or dial 9-1-1.

OTHER RESOURCES:

STOP BULLYING.GOV

This is a site dedicated to providing national resources with a focus on prevention, education and resources for parents and kids.

ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH CARE AGENCY

The OC Health Care Agency provides a multitude of mental health resources, including Behavioral Health Phone Numbers and Websites