SUMMARY:  LC 33 5328  Revises provisions relating to bullying

REQUIREMENTS:

• in addition to other disciplinary actions, report to the Department of Education annually actions in which a student was disciplined for bullying or harassment
• refines the definition of bullying and harassment
• applies to conduct occurring on school premises, school-sponsored functions or activities, and on school-sponsored transportation
• applies to usage of electronic technology occurring on school premises, school-sponsored functions or activities, and on school-sponsored transportation and on school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists
• local boards must adopt a policy that
  • prohibits bullying
  • designates at least one person in the system as the primary contact regarding the anti-bullying policy
  • requires school employees and trained volunteers report bullying to the principal and school system
  • requires prompt investigations of reports of bullying
  • delineates ways in which a school will respond to incidents of bullying and age-appropriate consequences of bullying including community service
  • prohibits retaliation against reporters of bullying and allows for anonymous reporting
  • requires schools to implement annual professional development in the identification, prevention, and resolution of bullying
• the Department of Education must:
  • develop a model policy regarding bullying that applies to K-12

  EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon approval by the General Assembly and signature by the Governor.