N.J. Schools Brace for Anti-Bullying Rules' Impact

By Alexandra Rice

Supporters of New Jersey’s newly amended anti-bullying law say it will create a tough safety net for students who had been afraid to go to school because of continued bullying, even as administrators and others brace for the impact from increased reporting requirements.

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act , which went into effect Sept. 1, includes several key changes to the previous law, particularly by addressing incidents that occur off school grounds, holding educators responsible for reporting all instances of bullying, and appointing an anti-bullying specialist at each school.

Under the new law, educators and school officials will be trained in bullying prevention and intervention and will be responsible for reporting instances of harassment, intimidation, and bullying to the school’s principal. Each school will be graded by the state on its progress, and all grades will be...