District HIB Specialist

ANTI-BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTS

ACT (ABR):

A CATALYST FOR STRENGTHENING SCHOOL

CULTURE AND CLIMATE

SY 2015-2016

Training Outline

District Updates –Key Contacts HIB Defined NJDOE Updates Types of Bullying & Bullycide Signs, Symptoms and Support School Based Prevention

Programming HIB Reporting process NPS Reporting Procedures

Departmental Mission

Maintain compliance with statutory, regulatory, policy and program framework to support the prevention, remediation and reporting of HIB in schools. District resources are developed to aid schools in the establishment of HIB policies, the adoption of HIB program strategies, the implementation of proactive responses to HIB and the adoption of effective HIB reporting procedures.

The Purpose of the LawIntent is to strengthen standards

for preventing, reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents of bullying and reduce the risk of suicide among students

Effective September 2011Changes 13 statutesAffects districts and a number of

state agencies, including NJDOE

HIB Defined HIB means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or

any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or series of incidents, that:

is reasonably perceived as being motivated 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 disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, and

that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function [or], on a school bus, off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L. 2010, c 122, and

substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students, and that:

HIB Continued A reasonable person should know, under the

circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; [or]

Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students [in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school]; or

Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student

HIB Statue Exceptions It is important to note that the amended law supplements the provisions under the previous HIB statute, with exception of the following changes:

HIB Off School Grounds – The HIB definition and the HIB policies and procedures must address incidents that occur off school grounds when they substantially disrupt or interfere with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.

All Acts of HIB - The HIB definition clarifies that the HIB policies and procedures apply to a single incident or a series of incidents

NJDOE Updates Article 8.6 HazingThis article has been revised to further clarify that harassment, intimidation or bullying may constitute hazing, a criminal offense, and the reporting requirements between school officials and law enforcement.

Article 8.7 Cyber HarassmentThis article has been added to specify the rules of the NJ criminal code that now include a separate and distinct offense for cyber-harassment, targeting online communication meant to harm, annoy or threaten another and the special conditions for juvenile cyber-harassment offenders.

NJDOE Updates Continued Article 8.9 Coordination of HIB and Criminal Investigations

The revised article expands the information provided in the previous MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) to add specific provisions in effect when an HIB investigation and criminal investigation intersect. It clarifies when a school district should suspend or “stay” its investigation while adhering to the spirit of the Anti-Bullying of Rights Act (N.J.S.A 18A:37:14 et. seq).

In addition, educators and law enforcement officers should work together to address the sharp rise in “swatting” incidents. Swatting is the act of placing a false report of an ongoing emergency with a 9-1-1 operator, tricking that operator into dispatching heightened response units-such as bomb squads or SWAT teams-to a certain address.

Different Types of Bullying

Direct Bullying - physical, verbal attacks, assault, destruction of property

Indirect Bullying – shunning, spreading rumors, malicious practical jokes

Cyber/Electronic – internet technology, social websites, texting, emails

What is Bullycide?

Bullycide is suicide caused from the results of bullying. Children and teens who are bullied live in a constant state of fear and confusion in their lives. Many feel the only way to escape the rumors, insults, verbal abuse and terror is to take their own life. Bullycide is clearly a serious issue. There are several different reasons that ultimately can lead to bullycide including: Being constantly physically and emotionally bullied Experiencing constant physical and emotional pain Having to continually relive an embarrassing moment over and

over that is regularly brought up peers as a method of torment Being the victim of bullying by an authority figure like a parent,

teacher, coach or other adult When the victim of bullying has no other friends to rely on for

support or encouragement while being bullied regularly

Signs of Bullying -VictimIt is important for parents to discuss the facts on bullying with their children to help teach them how to watch out for bullying and to avoid being bullied. There are several signs parents can look for when evaluating if your child is a victim of bullying. Comes home with unexplained injuries or with damaged or missing

clothing or other belongings Has change in eating habits Makes excuses not to go to school or truancy Has fewer friends Feels helpless Talks about suicide Acts out of character Avoids certain places or playing outside alone Feels like they are not good enough Has trouble sleeping Blames themselves for their problems

Signs of Bullying -AggressorThe facts on bullying also provide information on what types of signs to look for in children who might be bullying others.Becomes frequently violentHas trouble controlling anger Is manipulative and controlling of others and

situations Is quick to blame othersDoes not accept responsibility for their actionsNeeds to win or be the best at everything

HIB Complaint FormThis verbal or written report of alleged HIB initiates the formal HIB investigation. This complaint may be reported by a teacher, student, parent or other school based personnel.

Areas of Focus Complainants demographic information Victims Statement Description of Incident Identification of additional persons who can provide

information regarding the complaint Proposed resolution Signature and date

HIB Investigation

HIB Reporting Protocols Initiated by the principal or designee within one

school day of the verbal reportConducted by the anti-bullying specialist in

consultation with the principalPrincipal may appoint additional personnel to assist

with investigation Investigation shall be completed as soon as possible,

but not later than 10 days from date of written report If additional, anticipated information relevant to the

investigation is not received within 10 days, anti-bullying specialist may amend original report to reflect the information

Resource Links

evvrs@doe.state.nj.uswww.bullyingstatistics.org http://

www.stopbullying.gov/educators/index.html

http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/

The work continues……….