BILL NUMBER: S7834

SPONSOR: SAVINO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the establishment of a
statewide toll-free hotline for reporting instances of bullying in
schools

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 115 to
read as follows: Toll-free statewide bullying hotline where the Educa-
tion Department shall establish a statewide, toll-free telephone number
(a "hotline") to receive reports of bullying in schools.  The hotline
shall receive reports of allegations of reportable incidents twenty-four
hours per day, seven days a week. The Education department shall provide
information about such hotline to each public and private school in the
state.

Section 2. When any allegation that could reasonably constitute a
reportable incident is received by the hotline, the hotline shall accept
              

and immediately transmit notice of the report orally and electronically
to any appropriate state agencies or local social services office.

Whenever a telephone call or electronic transmission to the hotline
alleges an act of circumstances that may constitute a criminal offense
or an immediate threat to an individual's health, safety or welfare, the
hotline shall convey, such call or transmission to the appropriate law
enforcement agency or district attorney.

Section 3. The department is authorized to promulgate rules and regu-
lations to facilitate the implementation and operation of the hotline,
including but not limited to, procedures for timely and accurate refer-
rals to other state agencies or entities that may have investigative or
oversight authority regarding reported incidents.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Research shows that bullying is a serious issue that has far-reaching
consequences for individuals, their families and peers, and the communi-
ty at large. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
almost one-third of students are being bullied at school and more than
one-fifth of students report having bullied someone else.

Experts call for early intervention for both the child who is a victim
of bullying and the child who bullies. Without support, children who
bully appear to learn how to use power and aggression to dominate
others. A safe and positive learning environment is essential for
student success. The impact of bullying can be severe, and can include
anxiety, physical ailments, absenteeism, diminished academic perform-
ance, and depression.

The effectiveness of a school involves more than students' achievement
of academic success; it involves the development of relationships among
staff, among students, and between staff and students to promote a safe
environment and a positive school climate. However, many students who
are bullied are frightened to expose those bullying them. All too often
incidents of bullying go unanswered and without rectification. This
hotline would give another avenue, an anonymous avenue for proper justi-
fication.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.