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- Anti-Bullying/Harassment Sample Policy
- Resources
The Iowa Department of Education provides information and support to Iowa Schools in their efforts to address bullying and harassment issues in schools.
New Data Collection System for Bullying/Harassment Opens
The Iowa Department of Education (DE) announces the opening of the new data collection system for bullying and harassment reports for all public and accredited non-public schools in Iowa. Bullying and harassment data reporting will now be a separate application on the Department's secure reporting site. Access to the new application is provided in each district through a local security administrator for the secure reporting site. Bullying and harassment data will no longer be collected through the Anti-Bullying/Harassment for in Spring BEDS.
Data input in the new reporting system is for the 2012-2013 school year. Schools are encouraged to enter data as incidents are reported. A reminder to enter data to verify that there have been no incidents to report will be sent to school districts in December if no data has been entered.
Bullying/Harassment Reporting System Technical Assistance
The following information is presented to give technical assistance to districts/schools regarding the new data collection system for bullying and harassment:
- Webinar: DE Bullying/Harassment Reporting System - This recorded webinar introduces the new reporting system features and provides guidance on the reporting and use of data from the system to guide district/school efforts in addressing bullying.
Bullying/Harassment Reporting System Webinar Handout- Ongoing Q & A Bullying/Harassment Reporting System
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-harassment/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 identity. 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.
Bullying and Harassment -- Punishing the Perpetrator, Additional Guidance
Anti-Bullying/Harassment 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 legislation. This is a sample policy and it is recommended that school districts consult their legal counsel in developing local policies.
Anti-Bullying/Harssment Sample Policy
Anti-Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form
Anti-Bullying/Harassment Witness Disclosure Form
Anti-Bullying/Harassment Investigation Procedures
Anti-Bullying/Harassment Disposition of Complaint 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. You can read more about bullying and programming and materials at Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
Resources
The official U.S. Government Web site for information regarding Bullying is managed by the Department of Health & Human Services in partnership with the Department of Education and Department of Justice http://stopbullying.gov/
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.
Best Practices in 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.
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)
Analyzing Existing Bullying Behaviors
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 harassment 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)
A Parents' Guide to Facebook - Designed to teach parents how to help their teens strengthen their privacy and safety on Facebook, the guide features important topics such as risks involved in social networking, how to parent Facebook users, managing reputation in the digital age, managing your privacy on Facebook, reporting problems and more. The guidebook is published in partnership with the iKeepSafe Coalition.
What we know about Bullying Tip Sheet
Warning signs that a child is being Bullied Tip Sheet
How toTalk with Educators at Your Childs School About Bullying: Tips for Parents of Bullied Children
Children who Bully others Tip Sheet
Bullying and Children with Disabilities Tip Sheet
Bullying and Sexual Orientation Tip Sheet
Best Practices in Bullying Prevention Tip Sheet
Protecting you Child from Electronic Aggression
Electronic Aggression Brief from the Center for Disease Control
Bullying Fact Sheet from Centers for Disease Control
Common Myths and Misdirection in Bullying Prevention and Intervention (1)
Common Myths and Misdirection in Bullying Prevention and Intervention (2)
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.