(NOTE: This article indicates that some legislators believe language stating that a single event might be sufficient to justify invoking a bullying prevention policy goes too far. Researchers are well aware that, while bullying is usually repetive abuse, a single event can sometimes be sufficient. The objections seem misguided and uninformed. – Mike)
STRATHAM — The School Board tabled its approval Wednesday of a new bullying policy at Stratham Memorial School, citing new mandates coming from the state Legislature.
The same day, May 12, the Senate voted, 24-0, to approve House Bill 1523, which would update state law requiring schools to have policies against bullying, harassment and intimidation and add new language to cover cyberbullying.
One segment of the proposed SMS policy concerned School Board members. It states that a “significant single event” could be considered bullying, something many board members thought went too far.