All students attended a back-to-school assembly, which informed them of the dangers of bullying. However this time it didn’t focus on the victims, but the perpetrator themselves.
The new anti-bullying laws, commonly referred to as the “Anti-Bullying Bill” of Rights is popularly considered the strictest law against bullying throughout the United States. Instead of outlining the bill, let’s consider what this bill means for you, the average student.
1. If you’re the student who witnesses an act of bullying: Under the new law you are personally responsible to submit a report, a new anonymous way to tattle. However this one simple change could bring to light bullying incidents that never get the chance to be handled by administrators.
2. If you’re the victim: An entire school safety team is provided for you under this new law, guidance counselors and child study teams have or will receive anti-bullying education in order to become “anti-bullying specialists.” With this new support available to victims, it has the potential to add a much needed support system for those struggling with bullying issues on their own.
3. You’re the bully: Well, this is a problem. The new bill gives an extremely broad definition of bullying, which means that almost everything you say could be misconstrued. Any “hateful” thought or idea that is expressed verbally, physically, or textually will be under intense scrutiny if witnessed by faculty or reported anonymously. Taking this under further consideration, I’m concerned that actions between friends or inside jokes will come to the attention of the “school safety teams”, instead of serious cases. Mr. George Obermeier gave the students an appropriate warning when he simply conveyed the message to watch everything they do, say or type. Remember, everyone is watching.
So while the actual effectiveness of this law is still being determined, its basis is a strong defiant stand on bullying. Under no circumstances should a child be made to feel uncomfortable, scared, or physically threatened in a New Jersey school.
