Bill would expand definition of bullying, provide training

[The Straight Story]

Bill would expand definition of bullying, provide training

SACRAMENTO, CA - A state lawmaker is seeking to define and expand what constitutes bullying and set out punishment for bullying.

Assem. Mike Eng, D-Monterey Park, says AB 1156 also deals with cyber (online) bullying.

The legislation would make it easier for a bullying victim to transfer schools. Tormentors would face expulsion or transfer to another school.

The bill also includes language to help educators recognize and prevent bullying in the form of sexual, racial and religious harassment, as well as other indications of taunting.

"For example, if a child is repeatedly prevented from engaging in extracuricular activities or has low self esteem, can't participate, can't raise their hand because someone keeps slapping them down, that is a clear indication of bullying and we're going to train our administrators to recognize that for the very first time," Eng said.

http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=124970&catid=2

[tigereye]

1. I guess I think that schools should handle this, without

it being criminalized or legislated from above... kind of ties schools hands and punishing or transferring bullies doesn't teach them how not to bully, or that it won't be tolerated anywhere...

[cpamomfromtexas]

5. They won't fix it without being forced.

My colonel husband on deployment had to call the principal and tell him if the general had to let him fly home to fix the problem. That he would be talking to national media. That was after an 18 month reign of terror from a little gang and the schools treating me like a helicopter mom. Problems included stalking, assaults, knives, vandalizing our home, the bully screaming threats against president, the mother making contact with mykindergartener after their oldest stalked and assaulted my oldest for the umpteenth time, and multiple police reports.

[tigereye]

6. ok, got it..

sorry to hear it was so crazy! :hug:



I have seen it work better in some schools/districts than others. I guess I wish we didn't have to legislate all aspects of kid's behaviors...

[Skidmore]

2. Children will find it difficult to learn empathy when the adults around

them don't engage in it. In a society where bad behavior or aggressiveness is seen as culturally acceptable (for example, all the reality shows which look to cattiness and fighting for ratings) we can expect our young to emulate what moneyed interest put before them as entertainment.

[RKP5637]

4. Exactly! This is the theme of many shows today and those on the profit side of

the equation know violence sells, they could care less about the results. We live in a really sick immature society.

[DeadEyeDyck]

3. what would the afternoon SitComs look like

if all bullying were revoced?

Jus sayin