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In this padlet, I am going to discuss and analyze the ramifications of bullying on the students and on the school environment. I will be approaching this topic as a school counselor since they are the the principle individuals that deal with these issues on a daily basis.

Bullying is an issue that affects so many students throughout the world and its effects can be fatal. Bullying can take the form of many actions like verbal, physical, and even cyberbullying. All of these types of bullying have negative effects on the students but also create an ineffective learning environment for all around.

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The governing body at the federal level is the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Office of Civil Rights (2024) states “equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights in our nation’s schools”. The OCR handles any case relating to discrimination if the bullying occured due to targeting of a students race, color, religion, etc. This federal agency works alongside many other federal entities to help combat and end the issue of bullying in schools.

On the state level, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) (2023) is the state agency responsible for governing the issue at hand. TEA adopts certain guidance as to how school district should act when confronted with bullying cases. TEA also will provide outside resource and support groups that can help the student in the healing process.

Office for Civil Rights. (2024). U.S. Department of Education. (2024). https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

Coordinated School Health - bullying and cyberbullying. (2023). Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/health-safety-discipline/coordinated-school-health/coordinated-school-health-bullying-and-cyberbullying

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Federal Constitutional Law:

It is worth noting that a federal anti-bullying law does not exist. Instead, the federal government lets each state implement their own laws on bullying depending on their needs. This separation of authority is found in the 10th Amendment and also on the constitutional principle of Federalism, which is the separation and division of power between the federal and state government.

U.S. Constitution (n.d.) stresses the 10th Amendment: Powers not delegated to the federal government, are given to the states. This includes laws regarding bullying.

Title 2, Section 37.218 of the Texas Education Code (TEC §37.218(2023), discusses the different ways students can be charged with harassment.

Cyberbullying can even be considered a criminal act and could lead the student to be subject to the Texas Penal Code.

U.S. Constitution - Tenth Amendment. (n.d.). Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-10/

(TEC §37.218(2023)

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm#37.218

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Administrative: Texas Education Code, Section 37.0832

(TEC §37.0832) identifies bullying as a “single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power”

Instructs school boards on how to handle bullying cases

Offers state resources to provide mental counseling programs

State Statute: Senate Bill 179

Passed by the Texas Legislature in response to a horrific bullying case

Senate Bill 179, David's Law, states “relating to harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying of a public school student or minor”

Mandated school districts include cyberbullying into their policy and collaborate with law enforcement.

(TEC §37.0832)

Education Code Chapter 37. (n.d.). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.37.htm#37.0832

David's Law 2017, Tex. S.B. 179, 85th R.S., 522, 2017

85(R) SB 179 - Introduced version - Bill Text (texas.gov)

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Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District

Supreme Court ruled that school districts have the right to regulate speech

This regulation of speech is necessary to prevent harm to students, like bullying

Oyez (2024) states that any speech that will “materially and substantially interfere" (para. 4) with school activity, like bullying, can be restricted by the school.

This court case has served as a framework for school districts to utilize as to how and when the speech and conduct of students can be limited in order to provide an effective learning environment.

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District." 2024. Oyez, https://www.oyez.org/cases/1968/21

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Federal Administrative Policy:

The Dear Colleague Letter by the Department of Education (2010) offered guidance and insight for school districts as to bullying policy. Its purpose was to:

Inform school districts about the different ways that bullying can occur in school

That if the bullying encompasses a protected issue like race, color, religion, or sexual assault, the student can face criminal charges

Dear colleague letter from the assistant secretary (2010). U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201010.pdf

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Local Policy: Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District Anti-Bullying Policy

The Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District (RGCGISD) Anti-Bullying policy (2024) lays down the foundation and states to “create a bully-free environment at all campuses”.

It outlines the offenses that students will be punished for and their punishment

The punishment has two phases, a disciplinary and a counseling one

It also creates a yearly plan to inform all students about bullying and the dangers that it brings

Bullying/Cyberbullying Awareness & Prevention. (2024).  Rio Grande City Grulla. https://www.myrgcgisd.org/page/bullying-cyberbullying-awareness-and-prevention

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3116/RGCCISD/2308182/Anti-Bullying___Cyberbullying_Policy.pdf

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Risk-Management Strategies

The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) recommends parental involvement in children’s lives. CDC (2023) states “when parents are engaged in their children’s school activities and initiatives, children get better grades, choose healthier behaviors…” (para. 1). This ensures that students grow up in a  well-nurtured family environment to prevent bullying.

Nebraska Department of Education (2024) states the importance of “empowering the bystanders/witnesses through education about bullying and practice (role plays) in intervening.” (para. 5).

Reporting any suspected case of bullying is critical since it allows students to not feel like they are snitching on their friends.

Implementing a strong anti-bullying program which outlines all the causes and effects of bullying and reiterates the importance of prevention. Additionally, school district should monitor and adjust the policy if they see it is failing.

Helping parents and families create healthy and supportive school environments. (2023). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/sec_parents.htm

Bullying prevention and intervention strategies. (2024). Nebraska Department of Education. https://www.education.ne.gov/safety/bullying-prevention-and-intervention-strategies/

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The American School Counselor Association (2022) clearly details the role a school counselor should play when dealing with bullying. School counselors are required to assist any student who is a victim of bullying. They are also ethically responsible in working with the alleged offender. Both students are going to need counseling and the school counselor must evaluate both of them. After the initial counseling session, the counselor might recommend future counseling sessions.

ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. (2022). American School Counselor Association. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/Ethical-Responsibilities/ASCA-Ethical-Standards-for-School-Counselors-(1)

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#10 Personal Connection to Legal & Ethical Standards

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#10 Personal Connection to Legal & Ethical Standards

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As an aspiring school counselor, our role is to always provide the best we can for students. We are the individual who is there to guide and comfort students when they need it the most. Bullying is a widespread issue that is affecting many children, but there are solutions. We have legal and ethical guidance as to how we can address these issues and minimize their effects. These rules give us a pathway as to how we can help students. I was never bullied as a child, but I did witness how cruel it is. Even as a teacher, I witness it with my students and I immediately correct their actions. It is critical for all school counselors to remain vigilant and remain focused on preventing bullying. Only as a team can we accomplish a true bully-free zone.

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The following are a list of Recommendations and Best Practices to Address Bullying:

Enforce the anti-bullying policy to the letter in order for students to know that there are punishments for their actions

Make all staff and students aware of the school anti-bullying policy

Foster social awareness between students in staff

Create a healthy and safe environment for students in order for them to get along well with each other

Involve the families of students so they are also aware of the policy and they can assist at home

Network with outside groups like mental and behavioral organizations to come and speak about bullying