Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, July 22, 2013
(UNDATED) - School starts over the next couple weeks for most districts, and something new that administrators and teachers will have to learn is the new state law on bullying.
The new law approved this year by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Pence adds social media to the bullying law. It also directed the state Department of Education to come up with guidelines for local school districts and required schools to train teachers and staff on ways to stop bullying.
Many school districts already have programs to prevent bullying, but are taking time to talk to employees about the new law ahead of the new school year. Some districts already talked about the use of social media by bullies, but weren't always able to act on things posted to Facebook or Twitter. "We were limited...it had to be disruptive to the school environment," said Krista Stockman, spokeswoman for Fort Wayne Community Schools.
While they will make sure they comply with the new law, Stockman says Fort Wayne will also continue to combat bullying the way they have in the past.
Going over the new law will make for a heavy workload for schools as they get ready for students to return.
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