1. District HIB Specialist
ANTI-BULLYING
BILL OF RIGHTS ACT (ABR):
A CATALYST FOR STRENGTHENING SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE
District HIB Specialist SY

2. Training Outline District Updates –Key Contacts HIB Defined
NJDOE Updates
Types of Bullying & Bullycide
Signs, Symptoms and Support
School Based Prevention Programming
HIB Reporting process
NPS Reporting Procedures

3. Departmental Mission
Maintain compliance with statutory, regulatory, policy and program framework to support the prevention, remediation and reporting of HIB in schools. District resources are developed to aid schools in the establishment of HIB policies, the adoption of HIB program strategies, the implementation of proactive responses to HIB and the adoption of effective HIB reporting procedures.

4. The Purpose of the Law
Intent is to strengthen standards for preventing, reporting, investigating, and responding to incidents of bullying and reduce the risk of suicide among students
Effective September 2011
Changes 13 statutes
Affects districts and a number of state agencies, including NJDOE

5. HIB Defined
HIB means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or series of incidents, that:
is reasonably perceived as being motivated 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, and
that takes place on school property, at any school- sponsored function [or], on a school bus, off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L. 2010, c 122, and
substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students, and that:

6. HIB Continued
A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; [or]
Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students [in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school]; or
Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student

7. HIB Statue Exceptions
It is important to note that the amended law supplements the provisions under the previous HIB statute, with exception of the following changes:
HIB Off School Grounds – The HIB definition and the HIB policies and procedures must address incidents that occur off school grounds when they substantially disrupt or interfere with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.
All Acts of HIB - The HIB definition clarifies that the HIB policies and procedures apply to a single incident or a series of incidents

8. NJDOE Updates Article 8.6 Hazing Article 8.7 Cyber Harassment
This article has been revised to further clarify that harassment, intimidation or bullying may constitute hazing, a criminal offense, and the reporting requirements between school officials and law enforcement.
Article 8.7 Cyber Harassment
This article has been added to specify the rules of the NJ criminal code that now include a separate and distinct offense for cyber-harassment, targeting online communication meant to harm, annoy or threaten another and the special conditions for juvenile cyber-harassment offenders.

9. NJDOE Updates Continued
Article 8.9 Coordination of HIB and Criminal Investigations
The revised article expands the information provided in the previous MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) to add specific provisions in effect when an HIB investigation and criminal investigation intersect. It clarifies when a school district should suspend or “stay” its investigation while adhering to the spirit of the Anti-Bullying of Rights Act (N.J.S.A 18A:37:14 et. seq).
In addition, educators and law enforcement officers should work together to address the sharp rise in “swatting” incidents. Swatting is the act of placing a false report of an ongoing emergency with a operator, tricking that operator into dispatching heightened response units-such as bomb squads or SWAT teams-to a certain address.

10. Different Types of Bullying
Direct Bullying - physical, verbal attacks, assault, destruction of property
Indirect Bullying – shunning, spreading rumors, malicious practical jokes
Cyber/Electronic – internet technology, social websites, texting, s

11. What is Bullycide?
Bullycide is suicide caused from the results of bullying. Children and teens who are bullied live in a constant state of fear and confusion in their lives. Many feel the only way to escape the rumors, insults, verbal abuse and terror is to take their own life. Bullycide is clearly a serious issue.
There are several different reasons that ultimately can lead to bullycide including:
Being constantly physically and emotionally bullied
Experiencing constant physical and emotional pain
Having to continually relive an embarrassing moment over and over that is regularly brought up peers as a method of torment
Being the victim of bullying by an authority figure like a parent, teacher, coach or other adult
When the victim of bullying has no other friends to rely on for support or encouragement while being bullied regularly

12. Signs of Bullying -Victim
It is important for parents to discuss the facts on bullying with their children to help teach them how to watch out for bullying and to avoid being bullied. There are several signs parents can look for when evaluating if your child is a victim of bullying.
Comes home with unexplained injuries or with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings
Has change in eating habits
Makes excuses not to go to school or truancy
Has fewer friends
Feels helpless
Talks about suicide
Acts out of character
Avoids certain places or playing outside alone
Feels like they are not good enough
Has trouble sleeping
Blames themselves for their problems

13. Signs of Bullying -Aggressor
The facts on bullying also provide information on what types of signs to look for in children who might be bullying others.
Becomes frequently violent
Has trouble controlling anger
Is manipulative and controlling of others and situations
Is quick to blame others
Does not accept responsibility for their actions
Needs to win or be the best at everything

14. HIB Complaint Form
This verbal or written report of alleged HIB initiates the formal HIB investigation. This complaint may be reported by a teacher, student, parent or other school based personnel.
Areas of Focus
Complainants demographic information
Victims Statement
Description of Incident
Identification of additional persons who can provide information regarding the complaint
Proposed resolution
Signature and date

15. HIB Investigation

16. HIB Reporting Protocols
Initiated by the principal or designee within one school day of the verbal report
Conducted by the anti-bullying specialist in consultation with the principal
Principal may appoint additional personnel to assist with investigation
Investigation shall be completed as soon as possible, but not later than 10 days from date of written report
If additional, anticipated information relevant to the investigation is not received within 10 days, anti- bullying specialist may amend original report to reflect the information

17. Resource Links evvrs@doe.state.nj.us www.bullyingstatistics.org
/index.html

18. The work continues……….