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Geek Culture / I got into a fight today. Justified or not?

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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 19:13 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 19:16
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Today, I got into a fight at my school.

I started the fight, but for these reasons:
1. I couldn't go in school without being constantly harassed by this person (even though I had done nothing to make him do so)
2. I couldn't focus on my education as well for him being around.
3. He constantly snickered at me and made silly fat jokes towards me for no apparent reason.
4. I had tried to keep peace with him and have told him several times that I did not want to fight.
5. I blocked him from all of my social networks.
6. He went out of his way to make me angry and ruin my day.
7. I avoided him at all costs, but he still came to me and started arguing with me anyway.
8. He started picking the fight in the first place, about a month before.
9. If I had told a teacher or administrator, it would only get worse.
10. When asking him why he bothered me so much, his response was "Because it is fun"


So to finish this off,
Do you think this fight was justified for me to start?

Or do you think I should have just turned the other cheek and put up with him for the rest of my school year (or more)?

I look forward to seeing your responses.

EDIT: Oh, and I won the fight too.

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TheComet
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 19:37 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 19:41
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Good job, that's the way to show those dumb people. It was the correct thing to do. In fact, you shouldn't have let it drag out for a month, you should have settled it right at the beginning.

People like that always pick on weak guys because they feel insecure themselves. If you show even the slightest backbone, they'll change targets. Even if you lose the fight, they won't bother to pick on you again.

My general rules (and this has been working fine for me), if someone picks on you:

1) Hold eye contact, don't show signs of weakness
2) Counter what he says to you
3) If he comes into your personal space (a bump or push is enough), sucker punch them.
4) If you're up against a gang, go for the tiger head and call him a coward for not facing you 1v1.

EDIT: 5) If they have any kind of weapons, run for it.

TheComet


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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 19:50
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Quote: "People like that always pick on weak guys because they feel insecure themselves"

The irony in that is, he's actually very small and I'm one of the biggest people in my grade, but I don't take advantage of it, of course.
But thanks for the comments anyways! Glad to see you're on my side about it.

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Le Shorte
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 20:07
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I don't advocate violence, but I advocate bullying less. So I'm sort of neutral on your decision, but I probably would have done the same thing.

Cheesehead for life.
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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 20:12
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I don't advocate violence either. I told him so many times that I did not want to fight, and wish it hadn't have came down to that but that's the only way I saw it stopping though. Some people do not learn without a good hit to the noggin.

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Indicium
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 20:28
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Good one man. Bullies are not cool.

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:07
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Not a fan of violence either and it was something I let get in the way of dealing with the bullies I had at school - hence I never got violent, my only fight was started by someone else and it was broken up before a winner could emerge (though, I was losing but my mates were on the way to back me up). I did get tougher at school, so in hindsight there were bullies I would have had no trouble taking on.

So I do congratulate you. Bullies suck and verbal abuse is an easy way to get to someone and to really hurt them. People say 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me', but it's a pretty naive phrase. Verbal abuse can do more damage than physical abuse sometimes and people should stick up for themselves and if violence is the only way you can do it, then it works as a last resort.

Although in the adult world starting a fight isn't the solution, at least in the adult world you've got a bit more protection in your way. Telling a teacher won't do much, probably make it worse, telling an employer, arming yourself with a lawyer or in more extreme cases, telling the authorities. People don't like getting the sack, being sued or getting a criminal record.


But I wouldn't encourage you to carry on starting fights, just because I don't know what your bullies are like - so obviously what you do now is up to you. And I seriously hope that people will think twice before calling you names.

I'll also bear this in mind if I decide to make fun of Alabama in the future, I don't want my ass handed to me.


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Benjamin
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:08 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 21:08
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If you're as fat as says you are, just sit on him next time. That'll teach 'em.

But yeah, I think it was justified in this case.



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heyufool1
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:10
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Did you win? Was it anything like this:


I think it's fine that you fought him. I hope you did it off school grounds though, avoid suspension and all of that.

"So hold your head up high and know, it's not the end of the road"

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Wolf
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:14 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 21:17
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Blasting someone in the face is all part of being a teenager. Thestosterone you know

Thats perfectly normal for an adolescent male. Its school dont take all that too seriously, dont let them harass you.

Quote: "Or do you think I should have just turned the other cheek and put up with him for the rest of my school year (or more)?"


This would have made you a wiser person... even though the other wise person that had this philosophy got nailed to 2 pieces of wood. So no... I would not suggest that.


Just remember that you will laugh about all this once you're an adult and face more serious problems

Quote: "Was it anything like this:"


I know its bad...and call me a savage...but I cant stop laughing at that



-Wolf

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, art is knowing which ones to keep.
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Fallout3fan
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:22
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Did you get away with it? Also why not just tell the teacher and not mention yourself...Perhaps I'm the only loser to say that.

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TheComet
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:29 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 21:31
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Little known fact: The fat kid in that video was expelled from school. Then there was an outrage because of that video, and he was accepted back in later on.

Quote: "Also why not just tell the teacher and not mention yourself..."


That just leads to greater problems when the bully finds out.

This is kind of on-topic (warning, contains pony)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LRucoIcmww

TheComet


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Fallout3fan
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:35
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I'm just saying because...You know....No trouble?

Ehhhh can you help me just say no fighting?

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Quik
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:39
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Whenever a fight can be avoided, it should. Y u no tell teachers? Police can also be involved.


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RedneckRambo
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:41
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I always encourage justifiable violence. I would have done the same thing. Regardless of whether you won the fight or not, showing that backbone will get him off your case.
I had an issue similar to that once, I was friends with this guys girlfriend--blah blah blah--he hated me and we always had extreme issues... one day I walked straight up to him and socked him in the face.... Needless to say, I got massacred by him. Turned out he was a straight mma fighter of course. But after that, our entire issue was resolved. Never had a problem with him again.

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Fallout3fan
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:41
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Yeah police are the next step of teachers. If a teacher won't do anything a cop will.

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Fallout3fan
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:43
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Redneck Rambo you are a bad influence. You know I just hate of how when you got issues you just solve them by hurting yourself and the other person. It's stupid.

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Fallout
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:44 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 21:47
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Sounds like you did the right thing, based on what you've said.

... so long as the guy isn't a real thug. People always bang on about standing up to bullies, but if they're the sort to step things up a notch, wait for you after school with mates, bring a weapon to school the next day etc. then you can't fight them. The only way to beat people like that is to be more intimidating and scary than they are, and that's beyond the nature of your average joe. To solve that problem, you really have to murder them and then visit their thug mates, wearing their severed face as a loin cloth. Worked for me.

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Fallout3fan
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 21:51
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Wait what? Do you know how much trouble you can get in? I mean... Just what? Why would fighting back be a solution? I mean what would really be the best solution besides fighting? I'm really surprised you folks are teaching a kid that fighting is the best solution. And TheComet wasn't that episodes theme is that there is another solution to fighting your way through?

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TheComet
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:19 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 22:20
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Quote: "People always bang on about standing up to bullies, but if they're the sort to step things up a notch, wait for you after school with mates, bring a weapon to school the next day etc. then you can't fight them. The only way to beat people like that is to be more intimidating and scary than they are, and that's beyond the nature of your average joe. To solve that problem, you really have to murder them and then visit their thug mates, wearing their severed face as a loin cloth. Worked for me."


It's highly unlikely to meet someone like that. Then again, my brother confronted something similar. In that case you just call in the police and don't **** around too long. It can get serious very quickly.

The average school just has bullies. In my whole history and my brother's history of school, we've encountered 5 bullies in total, and 2 of them got what they deserved: They had to stick a toothbrush in their rear in order to clean their teeth after that punch. The other 3 didn't really get to that stage.

Quote: "I mean what would really be the best solution besides fighting? I'm really surprised you folks are teaching a kid that fighting is the best solution. And TheComet wasn't that episodes theme is that there is another solution to fighting your way through?"


If you play your cards right and deflect whatever hatred they throw at you with some cunning comebacks (water off a duck's back), you'll never have to fight. You need to establish yourself a position on the totem-pole where bullies just won't pick on you.

Also, the older you get, the more mature everyone is. I haven't even seen a bully for 4 years now.

TheComet


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SpyDaniel
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:19
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If someone is bullying you, you have two options, you either fight them or you move schools. Fighting them could have multiple outcomes, the person may have nut-case friends or family who may see the need to take revenge on you in the form of a beating and constant harassment etc.
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TheComet
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:22
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Quote: "Fighting them could have multiple outcomes, the person may have nut-case friends or family who may see the need to take revenge on you in the form of a beating and constant harassment etc."


In my experience, this is far from true with most cases. They get their friends to beat you up? Fine. Beat the bully up again and tell him that you'll keep coming for him if he sends his friends again. The End.

If weapons appear, that's when you get the police.

TheComet


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Ocho Geek
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:22
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I have no doubt it was justified.

Though by "Justified or not?" you no doubt mean "Justify it for me"


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SpyDaniel
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:31
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Quote: "In my experience, this is far from true with most cases. They get their friends to beat you up? Fine. Beat the bully up again and tell him that you'll keep coming for him if he sends his friends again. The End.

If weapons appear, that's when you get the police.

TheComet"


It all depends on the mental state of these idiots, or it could just be from watching too many films etc.
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zeroSlave
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:34 Edited at: 23rd Mar 2012 22:37
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Gained 630 exp
travis gatlin gained a level!
Obtained Moogle Charm!
Got 1356 gil!

Good on you. Your next step is to ask a hot chick out. Chicks dig guys that are winners. And those with confidence.

Quote: " Do you know how much trouble you can get in? I mean... Just what? Why would fighting back be a solution?"

I think it comes down to knowing when to fight and when to walk away. I think it's great when people stand up for themselves when they have a reason to do so. Better than being a stepping stool for others.
Quote: "I mean what would really be the best solution besides fighting?"

Keep getting picked on? Possibly lie down and curl up in a fetal position while they kick you?

Travis: (this will also put hair on your chest.)

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Jeku
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 22:40
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I think there's no harm in self-defence. If someone is pushing you around, punch him in the nose and walk away. In my opinion it's sometimes the best way to handle a bully who is being physical.


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MrValentine
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 23:07
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wow... memory lane...

note...

Quote: "DO NOT PUNCH ANYONE IN THE NOSE YOU COULD KILL THEM"


on top of that do not punch anyone in the back of their heads either...

Cheak bones [ do be careful... might hurt your knuckles...] and forehead is sorta safe... but if you can just use skills like AIKKIDO or Taekwondo to defeat a person... violent BAR FIGHT fighting is not controlled and kind of cause more harm than needed

end note...

back to memory lane...


[UK] high school, year 8, annoying prick in my form group for whole of first year for no apparent reason saw it funny to annoy me and harass me... sadly we were one day sat next to each other in science class, at the front... tutor can not see us because of her desk... and he thinks its funny to whisper abuse at me... so my response was not so expected specially as I was a quiet guy... so a black eye was the last thing he expected... the remaining [I did not complete fifth year I moved abroad...] two years [year 9 and 10] we got on pretty well... RESULT...

While in year 9 I was being annoyed by some pricks from year [believe it or not...] 7 pricks while in the court yard... two of them I think it was... I grabbed one of them beat the crap out of him think I cut his lower lip with my knee...
Deputy Head Masters office overlooks the courtyard and only saw me beating the crap out of the guy, so shouts at me like mad and grabs me from behind... this guy is a tall plonker...so he is there shouting and harassing me and man handling me... and I am like ITS HIS FAULT YOU STUPID DAFT TALL PLONKER... and fortunately for me... a tutor from english block [yup old school grammar school...] saw everything and got me off the hook... the pricks got suspended indefinitely... RESULT

Another incident in 9th grade [year 9] was when I coincidently became COCK OF SCHOOL by accident [not meaning to brag but hey tradition right?] the cock of school [meaning the toughest guy, it is common in UK schools and I presume everywhere btw this is high school...] [also the cock of school is usually in the final year of school so year 11 or tenth grade]...
He was bullying my good friend at the time... and I being the good friend kind of had a moment of shear anger and did not realise nor know who the guy I gave a right beating was and from then on I gained massive amounts of respect from all school goers even the cock of school... never had any issues from that moment onwards until I left... RESULT

and without going on any further a fight not long after that time I had a fight which resulted in a strong friendship with each other after too... RESULT

Now as my notes suggest somewhat I do not advocate fighting nor violence and always avoid them at all costs specially now that I am maturer and wiser in fact I helped a friend of mine destroy his anger side and had never been in trouble with the police from that day on when I sat down and explained to him there is no incident other than a person harassing a female... ^^ [yes I am a ladies man...] so basically I explained if the fight/argument brings no benefit to yourself or others then just walk away, as walking away is the strongest thing a man can do, and I suggest you fight that fight in your mind as there is where the ultimate battle for man kind is.

anyway I want to keep this short so the ending is a bit scruffy but hope you get what I am trying to say.

WELL DONE TRAVIS! you did the right thing...

OH and to those who say TELL A TEACHER why do you not see how far that gets you... then shut up. as teachers are like doctors, they automatically presume you are BS'ing the moment you open your mouth. [well I find that ALL DOCTORS on the NHS board well Local GP's anyway is what I mean bloody hate them and I rarely ever use that word].

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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 23:14
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Wow there's been a lot of responses since I last checked. Lol. I did get caught. The only reason I didn't cause more damage is because the teacher pulled me away. I personally didn't get hurt at all. I never gave him the chance to fight back, he just sorta curled up and tried to get away. I never gave him this chance lol. I'm now suspended from school for 5 days and what timing! Down here is spring break. Since neither of my parents are mad at me nor punishing me, I get two full weeks off.

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MrValentine
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Posted: 23rd Mar 2012 23:21
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[mr burns voice]
EXXXXXCELLLLLLLENNNNT

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Destrugter 1
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:08 Edited at: 24th Mar 2012 00:10
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Quote: "Quote: "DO NOT PUNCH ANYONE IN THE NOSE YOU COULD KILL THEM"

on top of that do not punch anyone in the back of their heads either...

Cheak bones [ do be careful... might hurt your knuckles...] and forehead is sorta safe... but if you can just use skills like AIKKIDO or Taekwondo to defeat a person... violent BAR FIGHT fighting is not controlled and kind of cause more harm than needed"


You could punch them in the throat


I think you did the right thing. To those who are saying fighting isn't the answer: My cousin was bullied his entire life. He killed himself December 26, 2011 because he couldn't take it anymore. Instead of trying to settle it some other way, he didn't hurt the bullies. He hurt everyone who cared about him.

My name is Brian.
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MrValentine
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:10
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Quote: "You could punch them in the throat "


I was thinking more like this...



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TheComet
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:14
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lol @ Valentine

TheComet


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tiresius
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:15
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You're all giving terrible advice. But what to expect on the internet? Quik and Zachadoodle have good sense and are asking the right questions

I believe unless you or someone else are in physical danger, physical violence is not the answer. It's just NOT.

There are so many other ways to deal with it, first and foremost is telling your parents about it. And through that the parents should get the school administration involved. Studies show fighting back physically is one of the least effective methods to stop it.

Anyone who gets bullied should go to the library and read a book about what to do, and the psychological aspects of bullies and those being bullied.

@travis
When you grow older and pass 18 years of age, replace your experience of "5 day suspension" with "going to court", or even worse, "going to jail", and hopefully what I said above makes sense.


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MrValentine
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:18 Edited at: 24th Mar 2012 00:18
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tiresius I know that so did not bother mentioning and repeating what has been said already...

but yeah court rooms and such are not limited to just above 18's, least not here in the UK...

EDIT

Also... tiresius , where have you been hiding lol never come across you before HI!

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Quik
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:18
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Still dont get why you would fight him: getting the police on his back and you could possibly even earn money from it~~


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RedneckRambo
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:29 Edited at: 24th Mar 2012 00:33
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Quote: "Redneck Rambo you are a bad influence. You know I just hate of how when you got issues you just solve them by hurting yourself and the other person. It's stupid."

I think you're a bad influence too. In my experience it's far more stupid to to continue to appear weak. Violence has it's purposes in some cases. Appearing weak is why people get picked on in the first place.
Why you seem to think I just walk around punching people is beyond me, obviously I don't. I said I encourage justifiable (what justifiable is comes down to the person obviously though) violence, apparently you missed that or don't know what it means.

Quote: "Also why not just tell the teacher and not mention yourself...Perhaps I'm the only loser to say that"

Nobody likes a tattle tale. Regardless of whether you mention your name or not, the person you ratted on is going to obviously assume you were the one to do it if he ends up getting in trouble for the whole thing.

People need to grow a pair and stick up for themselves once in a while.

I had a person break into my truck and tried to steal a bunch of stuff from the inside. He saw me and took off. I chased him down, grabbed his collar and punched him and got my stuff back. However, it would seem you'd think I should have just told on him because I hurt someone. Yes clearly I should've gone to the police, go to court months later and waste hours of my life when I could have simply punched the guy and grab my stuff back.

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TheComet
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:37 Edited at: 24th Mar 2012 00:38
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Quote: "You're all giving terrible advice. But what to expect on the internet? Quik and Zachadoodle have good sense and are asking the right questions"


I'll re-iterate my key-point. If you ever enter a scenario where things get physical, you've already done something wrong.

Whenever someone picks on you, the key points are:

1) Stare them in the eye.
2) don't show signs of weakness.
3) Laugh it off.

And you'll never get to the physical stage.

It's absolutely essential you establish yourself at the very beginning before things unfold. You need to show the bully that you're not the type that can be pushed around. Bullies pick on weaker people. You need to size up your bully and give him responses not too invoking, but also not too soft.

If you miss the opportunity and you're labeled as someone who's weak, it really depends what the bully is like. If he pushes you, you push him back. If he scribbles on your paper, you shove his paper into your mouth and chew on it. If he calls you names, then you call him names too.

The punch may have been a bit overkill, but it works too.

Quote: "When you grow older and pass 18 years of age, replace your experience of "5 day suspension" with "going to court", or even worse, "going to jail", and hopefully what I said above makes sense."


As long as it isn't offensive, but defensive, you're fine I believe.

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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 00:59
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Quote: "When you grow older and pass 18 years of age, replace your experience of "5 day suspension" with "going to court", or even worse, "going to jail", and hopefully what I said above makes sense"

Of course. I won't do that when I'm older because, simply, I won't have the same problems. People mature and I won't have to deal with them every day, in school. Which leaves me more open to contact authorities without any further consequences or harassment. I would have immediately told a teacher or administrator if I weren't afraid it would only get worse, and knowing this kid and being friends with him for awhile, It would not have a good outcome for me at all and would only hinder rather than help.

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Quik
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 01:13
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The school IS there FOR you, if he dont quit it then they NEED to do something radical (like shutting him out of school)

if the school just sits there then YOU can SUE the SCHOOL


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MrValentine
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 01:35
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Quik, sadly I wish I could do that now, as that information came way too late for me when I grew up and learned about law by myself... otherwise I would have shut down two schools by now... sadly some prick bought out my high school and turned it private and into some sort of prison...

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rolfy
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:04 Edited at: 24th Mar 2012 02:31
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Its all dependant on circumstances I personally think you did the right thing, in my opinion verbal harrasment is as much a form of violence as actual physical and you acted in self defense.
Its not always recommended however as kids nowadays are territorial pack rats and will gang up together against individuals they percieve to have in any way insulted or humiliated a 'friend', these sorts are not phased by being stuck in by you, you can have them suspended/expelled and its merely a badge of honor and they know they arent going to finish school witth good grades and go on to University or any form of further education anyhow (they seem to think they will either be famous rap stars or move up through the gangster ranks and make a good living selling drugs or robbing banks).

Worst case scenario:
A kid I knew was being harassed by a local gang of youths and it went on for years, by the time he was twenty he had a girlfriend and a year old child, three were outside his house shouting for him to come out, he grabbed a wooden stave and ran out. He was promptly jumped on by a bunch of ,em who were hidden in bushes nearby. They took that stave of him and beat him to death with it now his kid has no dad.

Be very careful who you turn on even if its not your fault and you cant always expect the law to help out without witnesses, these types are cowards and they stick with their own, they know the law, usually because they have dealings with them on a daily basis and they will try to trap you when no ones around, not very optimistic I know but its a part of the depressing reality of life today.
I am glad you had your little victory but you were lucky this time.

Looking at Oxford, Alabama you appear to have a very high crime rate for such a small population (I can only assume they come from neighboring areas to perform dirty deeds) in my experience small populations like this usually means most folk know most other folks and their is more of a community spirit so your lucky you dont live in a major city or your little fracas may have cost you dearly.
I would NOT advise taking on the local bullies in larger cities, all you can do is try to stay out of their way, they are only looking for a reaction anyhow and you can always take comfort in the fact that they will prolly spend most of their miserable lives achieving absolutely nothing.

Awesome! Its one of those threads.
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swissolo
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:27
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I'll respond to some specific posts later, but why hasn't anyone mentioned groups? Talk to your buddies about it and solve the problem together. Maybe everyone can talk to some authority and get the problem solved.

swis
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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:38
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Quote: "Looking at Oxford, Alabama "

I actually don't go to Oxford's school district. I go to Munford High School (A small city near oxford) If I actually attended Oxford's high school, I would have much more trouble than this because they have a very tight curriculum and is very infamous for bullies and snobs. Munford is a bit friendlier towards others and considering I've never went to another school, a lot of people know me.

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rolfy
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:42
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Thats actually very fortunate as there is less chance of bumping into that type outside of school, still I would at least pretend to be friendly towards him now, most bullies are open to that sort of thing after being beaten....its your insurance against him harbouring any grudge in future.

Awesome! Its one of those threads.
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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:44
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I plan on doing so. I can't hold a grudge. It's just not part of my personality at all. If he tried to be friends with me again, I would accept him with open arms, honestly.

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rolfy
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:47
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I like your attitude, smart

Awesome! Its one of those threads.
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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 02:48
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Thank you I've been told I act quite mature for my young age. Lol

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rolfy
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 03:01
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I actually have a very good idea how you feel about this, been in exactly the same position and resolved it in the same way, its not that you beat you beat the tar out of him but the feeling of having a burden removed thats been weighing you down for so long.
I would go dance a jig and revel in this if I were you, yyou probably feel guilty and shocked by your own behaviour, just try not to make a habit of resolving things this way.

Awesome! Its one of those threads.
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Travis Gatlin
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 04:41
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Wow, you read me like a book man. I swear to you I didn't want it to go down like it did but there's no other efficient way I can stop it, and I'm usually the one who helps others solve problems. I just didn't see another way out of it so that's the path I took, and really I feel so much better now that I did. Just feels like a hundred pound weight just got unchained from my leg that I've been dragging for well over a month..

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Dark Java Dude 64
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Posted: 24th Mar 2012 04:52 Edited at: 24th Mar 2012 04:52
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I have a handy dandy feature at my school where you can report bullies, suicide/murder plans, drugs, etc totally anonymously. There is a company called safe-2-tell, you can call, text, or email them about the issue then they will tell the school. And it's illegal for them to ask for your name, you can volunteer i though if you want. They then tell the school so it can take care of the issue... Luckily i have never had to use it! It might be just for colorado though... I say this at your mention that it would be worse if you told a teacher or administrator...

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