Anti-Bullying Legislation

Introduction

In 2005, St. Louis TV Station KSDK told the story of DaShawn. Only ten years old, DaShawn was a victim of bullying at his school. His mother had already lost two jobs because she frequently had to leave work to address problems he experienced at school. DaShawn feared his bullies, saying he did not want to return to school. One day, DaShawn went to his closet and hanged himself. (Read the entire KSDK story).

Stories like DaShawn's have prompted Missouri legislators to take action. Three similar bills have been introduced in the 2006 legislative session that attempt to curb bullying in Missouri schools by requiring every district to have policies to deal with bullying. Some of the bills even require witnesses of bullying incidents to report the matter to school officials.

HB 1218 sponsored by Rep. Will Kraus and co-sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte

HB 1502 sponsored by Rep. Sara Lampe and co-sponsored by Rep. Edward Wildberger

SB 674 sponsored by Sen. Yvonne Wilson and co-sponsored by Sen. Rita Heard Days

All three bills were introduced in January 2006 and have been referred to the appropriate legislative committees. SB674 (identical to HB843 introduced in 2005) was referred to the Senate Education Committee, and a hearing was conducted on January 24. HB1218 and HB1502 have been referred to the House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee. 

No groups expressing opposition to the legislation could be found.

What's Happening in Other States

There are several states currently considering anti-bullying legislation

In Kentucky, an anti-bullying bill (BR187) passed in the House of Representatives on February 1 with a vote of 96-0. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

In Ohio, an anti-bullying bill (HB276) passed in the House of Representatives on January 24 with a vote of 93-4. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.  

Washington, who already has anti-bullying measures in place, is considering legislation (SB 5849) that would include acts committed electronically (cyberbullying) when defining what constitutes acts of bullying. 

 In Iowa, anti-bullying legislation (HF 367) is drawing criticism from some House Republicans who do not approve of the “laundry list” of what constitutes grounds for bullying. This highlights one key distinction between various types of bullying legislation. Some use wording that prohibits all forms of bullying, while others prohibit bullying on the basis of various characteristics (race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.)

 Other states considering anti-bullying legislation include: Michigan (HB5616), Hawaii (HCR9 full text and status; SCR3 full text and status); South Carolina (H 3573); and Florida (SB1384/HB535, HB87) 

Reporting Tips

Why this story is worth reporting
Although bullying is not as common at the high school level, many high school students may be interested in anti-bullying legislation. They might have been bullied as a child and support any changes that will prevent others from encountering a similar situation. Or perhaps they have younger siblings that are being bullied or could potentially be bullied.

Furthermore, school administrators will be interested in students’ thoughts on this issue. If the legislation passes, each school district will be required to formulate policies against bullying as appropriate to their own school (within guidelines of the legislation). Administrators will likely want to gauge student opinion before writing such policies.

Interesting facts

According to Prevent Child Abuse America, 160,000 students stay home from school each day for fear of being bullied. 

Students who by age 8 are identified as bullies are 6 times more likely to commit a crime by the time they are 24 and 5 times more likely to have a serious criminal record by age 30. (http://www.stopyouthviolence.ucr.edu/publications/factsheets/Bullying.pdf)

 According to Bully Police USA, 23 states currently have adequate laws against bullying in schools. Missouri was given an “F” grade with regards to bullying policies. 

 Who to Interview

Your school administrators—find out if your school has an anti-bullying policy. If so, what does it include? If not, why not?

 Teachers (especially of younger students)—does bullying occur often in their classrooms? How is it dealt with?

 Parents—has anyone complained about bullying issues? If so, find out if how the complaint was handled and if the parents were satisfied with the outcome.

Sidebar/Infographic/Photo Ideas

If available, statistics on the number of bullying incidents at your school in recent years.

If your school has a bullying policy, a sidebar with the exact wording. 

Quotes from students or teachers on their thoughts and experiences with bullying. 

An informal poll of students to gauge awareness and opinions toward the proposed legislation.