NEW JERSEY ANTI BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTSThe Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights provides a strong and thorough definition of

bullying. The bill’s definition not only describes bullying as a harmful action towards another student, but as any act that infringes on a student’s rights at school. In addition to defining bullying more clearly, the bill requires that every public school, including higher education institutions, report all cases of bullying. Verbal reports must be given to principals on the day of an observed incident and a written report must be provided within two days. Families must be notified, as well as the superintendent of schools, and an investigation must take place within ten days of the incident. Schools must also have a plan that outlines how they will address bullying and all teachers and administrators must be trained to identify and respond to bullying.[1]

In addition to ensuring that schools are prepared to recognize and report bullying, the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights also takes steps to ensure that schools are creating a positive environment for students. The law requires that every school have an anti-bullying specialist and a school safety team. These individuals must work to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. In addition, the first week in October has been designated as the “Week of Respect”. During this week, schools are asked to teach about intimidation and harassment in order to make students more aware of the causes and effects of bullying.[1]

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Aggressive behavior that is intentional, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power.

*The state of NJ states that it can be one event, does not have to be repeated over time.

WHAT IS CONFLICT?

A natural part of development, it may be defined as a struggle or contest between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values or goals.

BULLYING VS CONFLICT

CONFLICT/FIGHTING

Between friends/equals

Accidental/not planned

No serious lasting harm

Equal emotional reaction

Not for domination

Often a sense of remorse

May try to solve problem

BULLYING

Imbalance of power

Intentional

Physical/emotional harm

Unequal emotional reaction

Seeking control

No remorse-blames target

No effort to solve problem

IS IT BULLYING? WHAT IS IT?

TEASING•Everyone is having fun•No one is getting hurt•Everyone is participating equally

CONFLICT•No one is having fun•There is a possible solution to the disagreement•Equal balance of power

MEAN MOMENT•Someone is being hurt on purpose•Reaction to a strong feeling or emotion•An isolated event (does not happen regularly)

BULLYING•Attacked physically, socially or emotionally•Unequal balance of power•Someone is being hurt on purpose

WHAT CAN WE DO?

1. Take the time and talk to your children every day and ask how their day goes and really pay attention.

2. Encourage children to “Talk, Walk and Tell an Adult.” Talk to your friend, tell them you don't like what they are doing. Walk: If talking doesn't work, walk away from the situation/person, find something else to do, someone/something else to play with. Tell the Teacher: If talking and walking do not work, if the person is insistent on giving you a hard time, then get an adult who has some authority involved.

3. Working together is the only way to create a positive school environment, talk to your students’ teacher, principal or guidance counselor about concerns for your child.

4. Educating children how to communicate appropriately, effectively and respectfully is something school staff and family can do to prevent bullying.