BULLYING POLICIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Overview of bullying policies in the US

As of March 2009, 38 US states had passed anti-bullying laws

State sets the parameters and the district develops the policy – decentralized/centralized control

The Department of Education is required by the state to develop a “model policy”

Districts develop their own policy and have to get it approved by the Dep. Of Ed. – Florida funding

Some states encourage collaboration with the public in developing the policy; some states require that the district show the new policy to the public

States immediately enact laws against bullying when something tragic has occurred – Colorado, Missouri, Florida – moral panic??

Florida - Cyberstalking means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose

Arkansas - This section shall apply to an electronic act whether or not the electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic act is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school, and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose

Cyberbullying

What can schools do to combat bullying?

Establishing committees at each school to monitor and improve anti-bullying plans

Preventative supervision in hallways, bus lanes, lunchroom, etc…

Posting a safety hotline in all buildings Provide training for staff, parents, and

community members Conducting surveys to determine the

prevalence and types of bullying Implement bullying units, or lessons

throughout the curriculum

Do state anti-bullying laws help?

The State mandated policy ensures that districts are addressing the issue of bullying; however, it is up to the schools to develop the strategies and techniques for educating students about bullying

Questions??1. What measures can a school/district take

to ensure that a bullying policy is not merely symbolic?

2. What are the benefits and constraints of creating a state mandated anti-bullying law?

3. Who should be consulted in the policy development process? How should these stakeholders be consulted?