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One of nation's toughest bullying laws takes effect today

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Published 01 September, 2011 01:45:00 Here and Now
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School lockers (Photo by Flickr user Daniel R. Blume)

New Jersey’s law is tough on bullies, but some criticize it for also being tough on school administrators and educators.


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New Jersey’s “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” takes effect today and it’s being called one of the toughest laws against bullying in the nation.

It requires officials in every public school in the state to designate an anti-bullying specialist and a safety team to review complaints, to file reports to a district anti-bullying coordinator and to investigate allegations of bullying within one school day.

Connecticut and Massachusetts also passed anti-bullying laws in time for this school year.

Some parents are applauding the new laws, but some administrators are wondering where the resources are to enforce them, and where to draw the line between on campus and off campus bullying.

Justin Patchin, associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire says the new laws are tough on bullies, but also “tough on school administrators and educators because of all it asks them to do without giving them any additional resources.”

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MissSheila 02 September, 2011 03:07:50
Having been bullied a bit myself growing up, I think this is a tough subject to deal with. I think its great that the subject is talked about more now, but what to do is a different thing. I think we need to empower kids to speak up and defend themselves, but that is easier said than done. Still, I applaud New Jersey for doing something... I just hope it helps! Schools already have a LOT on their plates.
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Getspecific 02 September, 2011 05:30:15
This vague reference to one administrators 'concern' is laughable. Kids are being cornered, isolated, and beaten. They are being humiliated and having it filmed and put on youtube. They are living every day in mortal terror and yet you thumb your nose at them. Disgusting.
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