Anti-bullying events at N.J. schools – since 2011, it’s the law
At Moorestown’s South Valley Elementary School, third graders listened Wednesday to author Staci Schwartz read from her new book about a misbehaving goat named Billy who picks on other “kids.”
Earlier this week, in Washington Township, Bells Elementary students made new friends, worked on their manners, and helped out grown-ups.
In schools throughout the region, assemblies have been scheduled, posters made, and discussions held, all on a central theme: Bullying is out and respect in.
This is the second annual Week of Respect for New Jersey children. All public districts and charter schools are required to provide age-appropriate instruction aimed at preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
The week is but one aspect of the state’s far-reaching Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Signed into law in early 2011 by Gov. Christie – not long after the suicide of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, whose roommate used a webcam to watch him kiss another man – the measure has been called one of the strongest of its kind in the nation. (Giordano, The Philadelphia Inquirer)