This bill mandates that school districts serving grades four through twelve conduct an annual multi-day program focused on bullying prevention and intervention. The program must span three to five days and cover various topics, including comprehensive bullying awareness, cyberbullying prevention, bystander intervention, empathy, and the creation of supportive peer relationships. Additionally, the bill requires that all students attend age-appropriate educational sessions and that school staff receive training on bullying prevention as part of the program.
To support the implementation of this program, districts may apply for grants from the Bullying Prevention Fund if they lack the necessary resources. The bill also grants the Commissioner of Education the authority to withhold state aid from districts that fail to comply with these requirements. The Bullying Prevention Fund, established under previous legislation, will be used to provide grants for training and related expenses, ensuring that schools can effectively address bullying and foster a positive school climate.