Bullying Policy Development
The development of a local policy for bullying prevention may include conversations about bullying among staff and stakeholder groups in the school and community, a review of sample policies and guidelines, and consultations with professional organizations and the district’s legal counsel.
Introduced in the 2007 legislative session by Senator Gwen Howard and approved by the Governor on February 7, 2008, the bill states that ‘on or before July 1, 2009, each school district as defined in section 79-101 shall develop and adopt a policy concerning bullying prevention and education for all students.’
Components of an Anti-bullying Policy:
- A statement of the position of the school or district regarding bullying behaviors and/or positive student behavior.
- The school or district definition of bullying.
- This is a statement regarding the responsibilities and rights of students, staff, and others associated with the school regarding bullying behavior.
- A procedure describing the process for reporting bullying incidents and the procedures the school will follow in response to the report.
- Statements regarding false reporting and immunity from retaliation.
Considerations in Policy Development:
The development of the anti-bullying policy may consider a review of the school policies/codes related to student conduct, discipline, sexual harassment, other harassment, acceptable use (technologies), and hazing.
Dissemination of the Anti-Bullying Policy
The anti-bullying policy and grievance procedures should be published in handbooks, on a website, or in some format that is easily accessible to all persons who may be affected by the policy. Consideration should be given to providing the policy in different languages based on needs within the school community.