New Jersey Tough On Bullying
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Last year's suicide of Tyler Clementi, whose roommate videotaped him having a sexual encounter with a man, has motivated the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act in New Jersey that went into effect on September 1st.
School administrators are now required to address bullying incidents that take place both on and off school grounds and to appoint an anti-bullying specialist in each school. Adult volunteers and contracted service people may report as well.
A principal who fails to recognize and handle any incidents is subject to disciplinary action and, to alleviate costs of hiring specialists, it is suggested that school counselors or psychologists fill that role.
In describing the changes, an Education Week article quotes Valerie Vainieri Huddle, a New Jersey Assemblywoman who points out that with Facebook, Twitter and cellphones, bullying has many out-of-school avenues of which administrators must be aware.
Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio
