Back to School: New Bullying Policy in Effect for 2011-2012

The New Jersey anti-bullying law, to the applauds of many, is currently seen as the toughest in the country.

The bill gained momentum after the tragic suicide of Rutgers student , who jumped to his death off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate allegedly streamed a romantic encounter between him and another man on the internet.

The new law aims to protect children from harassment that would interfere with their education.

As part of the long list of provisions, teachers, administrators and other staff must undergo suicide prevention training with regards to harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

Each school must establish an anti-bullying specialist, and a “safety team” which will work to investigate complaints, maintain a positive school environment, and implement programs mandated by the law. The district must appoint an anti-bullying coordinator to strengthen anti-bullying policies and oversee the specialists in each school.

Upon learning of a bullying incident, school staff must report it in writing to the principal within one day, with a full investigation to follow in the next ten days. This includes incidents that occur off school grounds, such as cyber-bullying or charged text messages. Administrators who fail to take action after becoming aware of a problem are subject to discipline.

Although legislators have said enacting the bill will not create a need for additional staffing or funding, the New Jersey School Board Association (NJSBA) said it may require additional compensation doled out to union members. Those costs are currently unknown.

Under the anti-bullying bill, school superintendents must report all of the incidents that occurred within the past six months in a public hearing, held twice a year. Those reports are provided to the state education department, which will include them in online "school report cards."