Mte/501 Legal Issue-Bullying Newsletter
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Stop the Bullying
People United for Better Schools
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
12, NOVEMBER 2012
Over the past decade there has been a drastic change in the public perception of bullying. In the past bullying was just a regular part of growing up. Because of how extreme, highly harmful, and the unbelievable behavior of the people who are doing the bullying, it has to be brought to an end. Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involve a real or perceived power imbalance. These behaviors if continuous can lead to long-lasting negative problems for both the child who is bullied as well as the one who is doing the bullying.
Mississippi law states that staff “shall” report bullying, while adult volunteers “should” report these incidents. Due to the possibility positive student and adult bystanders can have in helping with prevention it is important to encourage participation. High importance has been placed on the schools ability to create an atmosphere that encourages and supports the reporting and prevention of bullying. This allows students to feel comfortable in the school setting and ask for help when needed.
Laws and Regulations on Bullying
Many school districts now have to take responsibility for responding to and preventing bullying among students. There has been a rise in lawsuits for bullying related incidents due to the alleged lack of or inappropriate response and failure to report the problem. Some state legislation is requiring school districts to have a bullying prevention program in place. State laws are also increasing its reporting standards for bullying incidents. In some states the law requires that the school provide ways that will allow students to make anonymous reports. Teachers and other adults are told that they are mandatory reporters of bullying incidents.
“Bullying is killing our kids. Being different is killing our kids
Stop the Bullying
People United for Better Schools
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1
12, NOVEMBER 2012
Over the past decade there has been a drastic change in the public perception of bullying. In the past bullying was just a regular part of growing up. Because of how extreme, highly harmful, and the unbelievable behavior of the people who are doing the bullying, it has to be brought to an end. Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involve a real or perceived power imbalance. These behaviors if continuous can lead to long-lasting negative problems for both the child who is bullied as well as the one who is doing the bullying.
Mississippi law states that staff “shall” report bullying, while adult volunteers “should” report these incidents. Due to the possibility positive student and adult bystanders can have in helping with prevention it is important to encourage participation. High importance has been placed on the schools ability to create an atmosphere that encourages and supports the reporting and prevention of bullying. This allows students to feel comfortable in the school setting and ask for help when needed.
Laws and Regulations on Bullying
Many school districts now have to take responsibility for responding to and preventing bullying among students. There has been a rise in lawsuits for bullying related incidents due to the alleged lack of or inappropriate response and failure to report the problem. Some state legislation is requiring school districts to have a bullying prevention program in place. State laws are also increasing its reporting standards for bullying incidents. In some states the law requires that the school provide ways that will allow students to make anonymous reports. Teachers and other adults are told that they are mandatory reporters of bullying incidents.
“Bullying is killing our kids. Being different is killing our kids