New Anti-Bullying Law in New Jersey Poses Challenges

by jglear

09/02/2011 2:52 PM

The New York Times reports that  New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights is setting tough new standards for its new state anti-bullying policies. The law requires local school districts to train all teachers and other school personnel to report bullying on the same day an event occurs. An investigation must be completed within 10 school days, and parents must be informed.

The Times article notes that local school districts are developing additional policies. For example, bullies at East Hanover schools can be reported to the police by their classmates by filing anonymous tips on the Crimestoppers hot line.

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was passed six months after Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi killed himself after two roommates filmed him having a sexual encounter with another man and posting the video on the internet.

Not much disagreement on the proposition that schools should be safe places for students. But what's the best way to make them safe? Especially involving the police seems like a procedure fraught with challenges. How do we tread the line between under and over reaction? Your thoughts?