Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.
The resolution seeks to align the administrative rules and policies of the Department of Education with a no-tolerance stance on bullying, necessitating comprehensive strategies for prevention, reporting, and intervention. It calls for mandatory training for educators on recognizing and responding to bullying behavior, particularly aimed at safeguarding disabled children, thus reinforcing existing protections under federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Additionally, it encourages mental health resources and social-emotional learning initiatives to aid victims and to promote a culture of respect and resiliency among students and staff.
Senate Resolution 176 (SR176) declares that bullying is a matter of statewide concern in Hawaii, focusing particularly on the bullying of disabled children. The resolution acknowledges research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating that bullying is a form of youth violence, leading to significant adverse psychological, emotional, and academic outcomes for victims. It emphasizes the urgency to create a safe educational environment where bullying, including its forms, such as cyberbullying, is effectively addressed and mitigated. SR176 requests that the Department of Education updates its rules and policies to enhance support for affected youth, specifically those with disabilities, ensuring a consistent approach across all schools in the state.
Notably, the resolution also highlights the need for a task force led by the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities to review and recommend actions on bullying policies. This task force is tasked with considering various aspects, including non-punitive disciplinary measures for students who engage in bullying, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. However, discussions around implementing such sweeping policies may encounter resistance from those who believe it could overburden schools or infringe on student rights, thus revealing complex dynamics in legislative discussions surrounding education and child welfare.