Germantown Elementary School District #60

Helping kids learn how to treat others kindly is one of the most important lessons we can teach — both at school and at home. Words like rude, mean, and bullying are sometimes used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Knowing the difference helps us respond in ways that teach empathy, problem-solving, and safety.

Rude Behavior
Definition: When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful or disrespectful once
Example: Interrupting someone, cutting in line, letting a door close on someone, or laughing at the wrong time

Mean Behavior
Definition: When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful one time --- often out of anger, jealousy, or frustration.
Example: Making fun of how someone looks, excluding a friend from a game, or using a rude tone on purpose.

Bullying Behavior
Definition: Repeated, intentional behavior meant to hurt, humiliate, or control another person. It involves a power imbalance --- one person has more social, physical, or emotional power.
Example: A group repeatedly teasing one student, spreading rumors, or encouraging others to exclude someone.

Age Matters: Don’t forget, our kids aren’t born knowing social rules. Younger children (up to grade 3 depending on social maturity) are still learning these rules. Helping them learn problem solving skills and how to work through small disagreements is critical to their social and emotional growth.

Next week, we’ll dive deeper into how we can teach our kids to respond to rude, mean, and bullying behavior.