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    Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) and Bullying Prevention Information History

    In 2011, the New Jersey Legislature enacted an “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” regarding the bullying of school children to help prevent, recognize, and address bullying in school.

    Bullying versus Normal Conflict

    Bullying:

    Premeditated, on purpose, intentional, planned

    Person being bullied is more upset

     Person wants to take power or possessions from someone

    Blame is laid on person being bullied

    No effort is made to solve the problem by person bullying

    Normal Conflict:

    Not pre-planned Genuine upset by both parties

    Person is not trying to take something from someone

    Both parties admit some responsibility

    Effort to solve the problem by both parties

    Types of Bullying:

    Physical Aggression- hitting, punching, kicking, spitting, tripping, hair-pulling, etc.

    Verbal Aggression- words and threats

    Relational Aggression- social exclusion, shunning, rumor spreading, etc.

    Cyberbullying- bullying involving technology and electronic communication

    Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Definition under the NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights HIB is any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as: –Race –Religion –Ancestry –National Origin –Gender –Sexual Orientation –Gender Identity –Disability

    There must be a distinguishing characteristic involved in the bullying that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.

    Investigation of Bullying Incidents

    Each incident is addressed, even if it does not qualify as a state reported bullying event. The Principal and anti-bullying specialist will complete an investigation procedure if they deem necessary based on the definition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying under the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. 

    How to Address Bullying in Schools 

    The NJ Bullying Commission says strengthening school culture and climate is the single best way to reduce HIB in schools.

    Key School Culture Initiatives

    1. Character Education
    2. Positive Behavior Supports 
    3. Peer Mediation 
    4. Anti-Bullying Lessons (Bully Buster Curriculum

     For further information on the district anti-bullying policy, visit the district website at https://www.pemberton.k12.nj.us