Utah vs. Cyberbullying II
As a follow-up to a post a few weeks ago, Utah has adopted a statewide bullying policy that clearly defines bullying and hazing so students will know what is unacceptable. Schools have until December 1 to comply.
Again, it’s sad that schools have to step in and do the work parents should be doing. It’s not that hard to teach your kid not to be a jerk to others… but I guess for some parents, it’s just too much to handle.
October 4, 2009
Utah education board cracks down on bullies
The Associated PressThe Utah State Board of Education is cracking down on bullies.
The panel approved a rule Friday that defines bullying and hazing so that students will know exactly what is unacceptable.
Board members said the action comes in response to an increase in bullying and hazing incidents across the state during the past year.
Among other things, the rule forbids any coerced act of a sexual nature, such as the removal of clothes or the exposure or touching of private areas of a body.
It targets acts of a physical nature such as whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, bruising and electric shocking, as well as consumption of food, liquor or drugs.
It also addresses “cyberbullying” through the Internet or cell phones, and social aggression such as rumor spreading and name calling.
The policy also calls for new reporting and intervention procedures.
Fred Duersch, president of the Logan School Board, said he was picked on as a child for being overweight.
“I’ve experienced it firsthand,” he said. “I want the learning environment to be free of harassment.”
Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said a hazing incident among drill team members prompted her to sponsor a law in 2008 requiring state education leaders to beef up anti-bullying policies.
“Girls can be mean,” she said.
School districts have until Dec. 1 to implement a bullying and hazing policy.