Bullying, anti-bullying laws and your children
Post by Lynne Master on January 22nd, 2012 in The Law
Bullying is no joke and “just kidding” is no excuse. With the recent reports of suicides, the horrific practice of bullying that has been endured for years is finally being recognized as behavior that must be ended.
“We need the commitment from everyone at the federal, state and local level to put an end to bullying,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. A memo sent to all governors, chief state school officers and state education boards, is part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to prevent bullying in schools. In the memo, the Department compiled key components of existing anti-bullying laws. “We have all been told that bullying has been going on in our schools forever. But we can stop it now,” said Duncan. “Strong anti-bullying policies instill a climate that this behavior will not be tolerated.”
According to the definition used in school policy, “bullying” means any conveyed gesture, written, verbal, physical, technological or emotional act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory handicap; or by any other distinguishing characteristic. “Cyberbullying” is conducted through the use of internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (pda), computer, or wireless handheld device, currently in use or later developed.
State policies go further by stating that bullying of any kind causes embarrassment, pain or discomfort to one or more persons. It interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, and participation. It can be planned, organized or unintentional. It is reasonably perceived as being severe, pervasive, dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile, humiliating, threatening, or otherwise perceived to evoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress.
Examples of “Bullying/Harassment” may include:
- hitting, pushing, spitting on others
- stealing, hiding, damaging or destroying another’s property
- calling names, teasing, spreading rumors about another or their families
- put downs, belittling others’ skills, abilities, or achievements
- offensive notes or graffiti about others
- degrading comments or gestures about another’s culture, customs, religious or social –economic background
- excluding others from a group
- ridiculing another’s appearance
- forcing others to act against their will
- any other aggressive act verbal, or physical that would make another feel unsafe, fearful, threatened, angry, scared, angry, or unfairly treated
Here is what to look for if you suspect children are being bullied.
- Comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
- Reports losing items such as books, electronics, clothing, or jewelry
- Has unexplained injuries
- Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or feeling sick
- Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
- Has changes in eating habits
- Hurts themselves
- Are very hungry after school from not eating their lunch
- Runs away from home
- Loses interest in visiting or talking with friends
- Is afraid of going to school or other activities with peers
- Loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school
- Appears sad, moody, angry, anxious or depressed when they come home
- Talks about suicide
- Feels helpless
- Often feels like they are not good enough
- Blames themselves for their problems
- Suddenly has fewer friends
- Avoids certain places
- Acts differently than usual
Model policies may be found online by searching your state name followed by “anti-bullying policy.” More than 29 states have so far developed policies, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
Post Tags: bullying, legal rights, parents
