Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABR): Strengthening School Culture & Climate

1. ANTI-BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTS ACT (ABR): A CATALYST FOR STRENGTHENING SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE District HIB Specialist SY 2015-2016

2. Training Outline District Updates –Key Contacts HIB Defined NJDOE Updates Types of Bullying & Bullycide Signs, Symptoms and Support School Based Prevention Programming HIB Reporting process NPS Reporting Procedures

3. Departmental Mission • Maintain compliance with statutory, regulatory, policy and program framework to support the prevention, remediation and reporting of HIB in schools. District resources are developed to aid schools in the establishment of HIB policies, the adoption of HIB program strategies, the implementation of proactive responses to HIB and the adoption of effective HIB reporting procedures.

4. The Purpose of the Law • Intent is to strengthen standards for preventing, reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents of bullying and reduce the risk of suicide among students • Effective September 2011 • Changes 13 statutes • Affects districts and a number of state agencies, including NJDOE

5. HIB Defined HIB means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or series of incidents, that: • is reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, and • that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function [or], on a school bus, off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L. 2010, c 122, and • substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students, and that:

6. HIB Continued • A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; [or] • Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students [in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school]; or • Creates a hostile educationalenvironment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student

7. HIB Statue Exceptions It is important to note that the amended law supplements the provisions under the previous HIB statute, with exception of the following changes: • HIB Off School Grounds – The HIB definition and the HIB policies and procedures must address incidents that occur off school grounds when they substantially disrupt or interfere with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students. • All Acts of HIB - The HIB definition clarifies that the HIB policies and procedures apply to a single incident or a series of incidents

8. NJDOE Updates • Article 8.6 Hazing This article has been revised to further clarify that harassment, intimidation or bullying may constitute hazing, a criminal offense, and the reporting requirements between school officials and law enforcement. • Article 8.7 Cyber Harassment This article has been added to specify the rules of the NJ criminal code that now include a separate and distinct offense for cyber-harassment, targeting online communication meant to harm, annoy or threaten another and the special conditions for juvenile cyber-harassment offenders.

9. NJDOE Updates Continued • Article 8.9 Coordination of HIB and Criminal Investigations The revised article expands the information provided in the previous MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) to add specific provisions in effect when an HIB investigation and criminal investigation intersect. It clarifies when a school district should suspend or “stay” its investigation while adhering to the spirit of the Anti-Bullying of Rights Act (N.J.S.A 18A:37:14 et. seq). In addition, educators and law enforcement officers should work together to address the sharp rise in “swatting” incidents. Swatting is the act of placing a false report of an ongoing emergency with a 9-1-1 operator, tricking that operator into dispatching heightened response units-such as bomb squads or SWAT teams-to a certain address.

10. Different Types of Bullying • Direct Bullying - physical, verbal attacks, assault, destruction of property • Indirect Bullying – shunning, spreading rumors, malicious practical jokes • Cyber/Electronic – internet technology, social websites, texting, emails

11. What is Bullycide? Bullycide is suicide caused from the results of bullying. Children and teens who are bullied live in a constant state of fear and confusion in their lives. Many feel the only way to escape the rumors, insults, verbal abuse and terror is to take their own life. Bullycide is clearly a serious issue. There are several different reasons that ultimately can lead to bullycide including: • Being constantly physically and emotionally bullied • Experiencing constant physical and emotional pain • Having to continually relive an embarrassing moment over and over that is regularly brought up peers as a method of torment • Being the victim of bullying by an authority figure like a parent, teacher, coach or other adult • When the victim of bullying has no other friends to rely on for support or encouragement while being bullied regularly

12. Signs of Bullying -Victim It is important for parents to discuss the facts on bullying with their children to help teach them how to watch out for bullying and to avoid being bullied. There are several signs parents can look for when evaluating if your child is a victim of bullying. • Comes home with unexplained injuries or with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings • Has change in eating habits • Makes excuses not to go to school or truancy • Has fewer friends • Feels helpless • Talks about suicide • Acts out of character • Avoids certain places or playing outside alone • Feels like they are not good enough • Has trouble sleeping • Blames themselves for their problems

13. Signs of Bullying -Aggressor The facts on bullying also provide information on what types of signs to look for in children who might be bullying others. • Becomes frequently violent • Has trouble controlling anger • Is manipulative and controlling of others and situations • Is quick to blame others • Does not accept responsibility for their actions • Needs to win or be the best at everything

14. HIB Complaint Form This verbal or written report of alleged HIB initiates the formal HIB investigation. This complaint may be reported by a teacher, student, parent or other school based personnel. Areas of Focus • Complainants demographic information • Victims Statement • Description of Incident • Identification of additional persons who can provide information regarding the complaint • Proposed resolution • Signature and date

15. HIB Investigation

16. HIB Reporting Protocols • Initiated by the principal or designee within one school day of the verbal report • Conducted by the anti-bullying specialist in consultation with the principal • Principal may appoint additional personnel to assist with investigation • Investigation shall be completed as soon as possible, but not later than 10 days from date of written report • If additional, anticipated information relevant to the investigation is not received within 10 days, anti-bullying specialist may amend original report to reflect the information

17. Resource Links • evvrs@doe.state.nj.us • www.bullyingstatistics.org • http://www.stopbullying.gov/educators/index.html • http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/

18. The work continues……….