This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Defining Bullying in Greenwich

Greenwich Board of Ed to adopt a new bullying policy.

The Connecticut General Assembly  passed a new school bullying prevention law, An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, Public Act. No. 11-232, over the summer. While the new law took effect on July 1st, some provisions do not apply until July 1, 2012.

School Districts Have More Responsibility

The new law was crafted to strengthen the previous statute, but also expands the definition of "bullying," incorporates significant revisions aimed at strengthening the existing statute and imposes additional obligations on school employees and school districts.

Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As Bullies Go Digital, The Law Catches Up

Mary Forde, Director of Pupil Personnel Services/Special Education for Greenwich Public Schools, said, "The revisions to the bullying legislation are important in recognizing the significant impact of cyberbullying on the lives of our students.  Although in many cases the cyberbullying does not take place in school, it has the potential of disrupting the instruction of all of the students in a building and seriously impacting the lives of the victims."

Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Expanded Definition of Bullying 

The prior law had defined "bullying" as "any overt acts by a student or a group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity or on a school bus, which acts are committed more than once against any student during the school year."

As of July 1, the NEW definiton of bullying will include:

  • repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral, or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district; or
  • a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district, that: (i) Causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property, (ii) places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property, (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for such student, (iv) infringes on the rights of such student at school, or (v) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Instant Messaging Means Instant Victims

State Sen. L. Scott Frantz, (R-36), said; "The fact that there was unanimous support for the anti-bullying bill in the House and the Senate is a testament to the new law, which further refines the definition of bullying, expands the type of behavior that the law covers and includes actions made through electronic devices."

With the age of the internet, social media networks and text messaging, Frantz and others believe that the passage of the bill is a step forward. "Given the potential severity of bullying in an age of instant and viral communications, we believe this is a good bill that will prevent harmful behavior.”

State Rep. Lile Gibbons (R-150) agrees. "Given the ubiquitous use of cyber communication and the reported incidents of cyber bullying, it was important for the legislature to expand its definition of bullying to include electronic incidents."

Gibbons and others have suggested the children, especially those who attend secondary schools, should attend classes on safe Internet usage. State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151) views the advances in technology as a plus and a challenge. "The age of the Internet has brought both historic advances, and unfortunately, some real concerns," Camillo said. "Cyber bullying is one of the negative aspects of an otherwise wonderful communication tool. Thus, any new law that addresses this issue is a victory for civil discourse and mutual respect".

Greenwich Develops A Plan Towards Establishing that "Respect"

At last Thursday's Board of Education work session, the board saw a first reading of a draft addition to Policy E-002, Whole Student Development, "Bullying Prevention and Intervention Procedure."

The Whole Student Development Policy states, "The District shall provide an educational experience that develops students’ social, emotional, creative, and physical skills and talents. The experience shall be designed to develop and reinforce students’ knowledge and skills to become creative, capable, compassionate, and responsible members of society."

The proposal is to add the following language that, in accordance with CT State law and the District's Safe School Climate Plan, that any form of bullying will be prohibited "on school grounds; at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program, whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop; on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education; or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by Board of Education."

The Board also prohibits any form of bullying behavior outside of the school setting if such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Discrimination and/or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying is likewise prohibited.

Students who engage in bullying behavior shall be subject to school discipline, up to and including expulsion, following policies on student discipline.

Safe School Climate Plan

Forde also said another aspect of the new law which impacts school districts statewide. "The other beneficial change is the emphasis on creating structures to prevent bullying through the establishment of Safe School Climate coordinators, plans, professional development and school specialists."

The intent is not just an intervention procedure, but according to the proposed language, "creating and maintaining a physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe educational environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination."

The proactive approach is meant to "foster an atmosphere conducive to learning." Forde says, "The shift in focus to prevention will help school communities reinforce and standardize positive behaviors rather than only reacting to incidents of bullying."

The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Procedure will come back before the board at their Nov. 17 meeting at North Mianus School, for a second reading  It will then be voted on at their Dec. 1 work session.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?