Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment

• On this page...

• Legal Requirements
• Sample Policy
• AEA Support Network
• Resources

The Iowa Department of Education provides information and support to Iowa Schools in their efforts to address bullying and harassment issues in schools.

Legal Requirements

All school boards, public and those of accredited non-public schools are to have the anti-bullying/anti-harassment policy adopted on or before September 1, 2007. Read more about the Anti-harrassment/Anti-bullying policies.

In addition to the 17 traits or characteristics in the new bullying bill, the Iowa legislature this year amended the Iowa Civil Rights Act (Iowa Code chapter 216) to add sexual orientation and gender identit. Read more about nondiscrimination in education.

17 protected traits or characteristics in the Law
In the law there are seventeen areas specifically addressed as protected for students. They are: real or perceived age,color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Harassment against employees based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also protected.

Sample Policy

The Iowa Department of Education ( DE ) and the Iowa Association of School Boards ( IASB ) provided a sample policy that addresses the requirements of the new legislation. This is a sample policy and it is recommended that school districts consult their legal counsel in developing local policies.

Anti-bullying/Harrassement Sample Policy

FFY 2009 Safe Schools Interview Form

FFY 2009 Safe Schools Report Form

AEA Support Network for Bullying and Harassment Prevention Intervention

Iowa AEAs and some school districts have Trained Specialists in bullying prevention and intervention. Each Staff member listed here has been trained in Olweus an International Program implemented in over a dozen countries across the world. It is recognized by Safe and Drug Free Schools as an Exemplary Program. In addition Olweus is recognized by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Center for the Study and Prevention and Violence (University of Colorado), as one of only 11 Blueprints for Violence Prevention. Please contact a trainer from the list for support and information or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Olweus Contact, Iowa Department of Education. You will also find other supports and information at AEA websites across the state.

Olweus Trainers 09-10

Resources

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers flash movies, games, and information about bullying and how to prevent it.  Take a look at the webepisodes.  They are free and can be downloaded. http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp

Cyberbullying: Doing Something about It, Lawfully - This document addresses the legal aspects of cyberbullying. The document addresses when a school may discipline the cyberbully. More importantly, the document discusses steps that must be taken by school officials even in situations where the school cannot lawfully punish the cyberbully.

10 Components of Quality Bullying Prevention Programs
A guide developed for you with ten components and further descriptors to help you evaluate any bullying prevention programs you might consider.
10 Components of Quality Bullying Prevention Programs (2007-10-18)

Program Selection Guidelines for Bullying and Harassment
As schools begin to implement their policies and practices with regard to anti-bullying and harassment issues, the Iowa Department of Education's document provides an excerpt from "Preventing Bullying Policy."  These excerpts are intended as a starting point to sort those programs that hold the greatest potential for success from those that have the best marketing strategy.  It is titled: Program Selection Guidelines.
Program Selection Guidelines(2007-10-24)

Preventing Child and Youth Sexual Violence: A Resource for Iowa Families
The term "sexual violence" is used to describe violence against someone that is sexual in nature.  It may include behaviors that are physical, verbal, or visual.  There are three different types of sexual violence described in this dosument--sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and sexual assualt.  This document provides general information and resources to help parents and families understand, recognize, and respond to sexual violence of their child or youth.  Resources are organized into groups to ensure age appropriateness.

Preventing Child and Sexual Violence August 2006

Analyzing Existing Bullying Behaviors
An Iowa Youth Survey Toolkit has been created to help schools analyze existing data on bullying.  Go to the Iowa Youth Survey, and scroll down to find "Risky Behavior and Bullying" Toolkit and Excel data sheet.

The Olweus program includes the administration and follow-up of a data tool called the BVQ. (Bully, Victim Questionnaire) Questions on the Iowa Youth Survey regarding bullying and harrassment are closely aligned with the BVQ.  See your AEA Olweus Trainer for more information regarding the BVQ.

Iowa School Board Association Presentation, May 2007
You will find a PowerPoint presentation for school administrators and school board members across Iowa delivered as a component to the spring 2007 workshop addressing the new bullying and harassment law.
Iowa School Board Presentation (2007-10-18)

Iowa Public Television ICN Series on Anti-Bullying and Harassment
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Part I (Definitions, Effects of Bullying, What works and what doesn't, Bullying Data, Possible Next Steps)  A professional development session already prepared for a district or building to use in conjunction with efforts to understand the new law and reduce bullying and harassment in schools.

Anti-Bullying and Anti-Harassment Presentation

Anti-Bullying Listening Guide (2007-10-22)

Contact

Cyndy Erickson, Olweus Contact
515-281-8514
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