Bullying Law in New Jersey

Bullying Law in New Jersey: A Comprehensive Overview for Parents and Schools

Bullying is a major issue affecting students in New Jersey and across the country. While bullying has always existed, the rise of cyberbullying and social media has created new challenges for schools, families, and legislators. New Jersey has been at the forefront of implementing anti-bullying legislation and policies to protect students. This article provides an overview of bullying law in New Jersey – definitions, reporting procedures, prevention programs, and resources for parents and schools.

What is Bullying Under New Jersey Law?

New Jersey was one of the first states to pass comprehensive anti-bullying legislation with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act in 2011. This law defines bullying as:

“Any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either 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, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds…that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.”

The law covers incidents that occur on or off school grounds as long as they substantially disrupt the school environment. This includes cyberbullying through social media, texting, and other electronic communications.

Reporting Procedures

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act established clear procedures for reporting and investigating bullying incidents in schools.

• Each school district must have an Anti-Bullying Coordinator and an Anti-Bullying Specialist to oversee bullying issues.
• All school staff members are required to report bullying incidents they witness or are made aware of.
• Schools must have procedures for students, parents, and others to anonymously report bullying.
• Schools must initiate an investigation within 1 school day of receiving a bullying report.
• Investigations must be completed within 10 school days.
• Parents of bullies and victims must be notified within 5 school days after the investigation results.
• Schools are required to maintain records on all bullying incidents.

Recent amendments under Mallory’s Law require school superintendents to report all bullying incidents to their school boards on a monthly basis. This provides more oversight and accountability.

Consequences for Bullying

Schools are required to include specific consequences for bullying in their district policies. These may include:

• Counseling, mediation, parent conferences
• Detention, suspension, expulsion
• Ban from extracurricular activities
• Police notification for criminal acts

Parents who fail to comply with measures such as attending anti-bullying classes face increased fines under Mallory’s Law, from $25-$100 to $100-$500.

However, experts caution that overly punitive measures alone rarely change behavior. A balance of consequences and counseling/education is best.

Resources for Parents

• StopBullying.gov – Overview of NJ bullying laws and policies.
• NJ Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention – Statewide organization offering education and advocacy.
• State Anti-Bullying Task Force – Holds hearings to improve anti-bullying policies. Attend and share your experiences.
• Guidance for Parents on the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act – NJ Department of Education guidance for parents.
• VeryWell Family: Protecting Your Child From Bullying – Tips for parents to prevent and address bullying.

Resources for Schools

• NJDOE Guidance on Implementing Anti-Bullying Laws – Extensive materials to help schools follow the laws.
• School Climate and Culture – NJDOE resources on improving school climate.
• Week of Respect and Violence Awareness Week – Programs for the mandated Week of Respect in October.
• StopBullying.gov Educators Page – Evidence-based guidance and curricula for schools.
• Character Education Program: Bullying Resources – Lesson plans and activities from the NJDOE.

The Path Forward

While New Jersey has strong anti-bullying laws on the books, effective implementation remains a challenge. Schools must prioritize ongoing staff training, prevention curricula, monitoring and oversight. Families play a critical role as well, by partnering with schools, advocating for their children, and teaching positive behavior at home. With diligence and collaboration among all stakeholders, we can work to reduce bullying and improve school climate for all students.