NJ weighs new bullying laws after Rutgers suicide

[defendandprotect]

NJ weighs new bullying laws after Rutgers suicide
By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press Writer Geoff Mulvihill, Associated Press Writer – Mon Oct 25, 9:22 pm ET

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The bill's provisions include requiring public school staff to be trained in suicide prevention and how to deal with harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Bullying prevention programs would be required of schools. Currently, most New Jersey schools have them, but they are only encouraged — not required. Schools would have to form safety teams that would shape policies and review how bullying is handled.

Even public colleges and universities would be affected by a requirement for an anti-bullying policy and enforcement mechanism in student-conduct codes.

State Sen. Diane Allen, a Republican from Edgewater Park, said one important feature is that school websites would have to clarify who's in charge of the bullying policies. Right now, she said, it can be hard for parents to determine that.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101026/ap_on_re_us/us_gay_bullying



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Will this be effective -- any other suggestions for the bill?