The Department of Education recently released a study that details the discrepancies amongst anti-bullying laws and policies throughout the country. This study is the first nationwide look at bullying legislation from the Department and highlights some inconsistencies that exist between the states.
For example, according to the report although 46 states currently have bullying laws – but these laws vary widely. While all but one state directs school districts to adopt bullying policies, only 13 specify that schools have jurisdiction over off-campus behavior if it creates a hostile environment at school. With the proliferation of computers, smartphones and other portable technology and its link to cyberbullying, the Department concludes that schools must consider how cyberbullying off school grounds may impact the school environment. Additionally, 10 of the 46 states do not even address cyber-bullying or bullying using electronic media. Finally, the report also discusses other seemingly small distinctions which have a big impact like the fact that three states with anti-bullying policies prohibit bullying but don’t define the behavior. .
Despite some ambiguity, most states focus on the students committing the act – listing consequences, and defining expectations for the communication of the policy to students’ staff and parents.
The report provides detailed and comprehensive summaries of bullying legislation in each state in addition to documentation of the development of legislation and model policies. To find out what the policy is in your state, or read the full report, click here. Also, for more information on CEC’s position on bullying read CEC’s Policy on Positive School Climate.
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