Hawaii House Bill HR13

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/22
• Refer: 3/3/22

Caption

Supporting The Advocacy Against Childhood Bullying And For Adolescent Health Within The State Of Hawaii.

Impact

HR13 calls for the Board of Education to develop a bullying prevention and response action plan. This plan is expected to include educational procedures that ensure students and school personnel are informed and aware of the implementation of measures necessary to combat bullying. Additionally, the resolution requests the Board to systematically document incidents of bullying and harassment to better understand the prevalence and to improve responsiveness within schools. As a result, this initiative could reshape educational policies surrounding student welfare and mental health.

Summary

House Resolution 13 (HR13) aims to support advocacy against childhood bullying and promote adolescent health in the State of Hawaii. The resolution emphasizes the need to address the severe implications of bullying, which has been acknowledged as a harmful act that can create a hostile educational environment. The resolution is rooted in the recognition of established laws and frameworks that guide the state's approach to bullying prevention within schools, advocating for a proactive, comprehensive strategy.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HR13 may include various points of contention. Advocates of the resolution highlight the alarming statistics regarding student bullying, suicide rates, and the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying due to technological advancements. Critics could argue that the effectiveness of such resolutions is contingent on the adequacy of the resources allocated for implementation and that without sufficient support or training for educators, the enactment of proposed strategies may not yield significant results. Furthermore, the resolution's success depends heavily on the collaboration between parents, educators, and the wider community.