N.Y. Senator Kemp Hannon seeks legislation to outlaw bullying, cyberbullying in schools

New York is one of just a handful of states in the nation with no anti-bullying laws on the books. State Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) is looking to change that with legislation that would prohibit bullying and cyberbullying in schools, and encourage districts to take more action.

Hannon’s bill would increase penalties for hazing and establish a hotline for children who are being bullied and feel they have no place else to turn. He noted that many nonprofit agencies on Long Island already offer interactive anti-bullying workshops, and the legislation would help direct those resources to schools.

One such organization is Child Abuse Prevention Services of Long Island, or CAPS. Executive Director Alane Fagin said the group hosts programs in about 200 Long Island schools each year. Workshops include Steer Clear of Bullies, for third- and fourth-graders, Step Up and Speak Out, for middle-school children, and Relational Aggression, for female students. CAPS also offers several cyberbullying workshops.

“These programs are not assemblies,” Fagin stressed. “They’re given in classrooms. There’s a lot of interaction and critical thinking.”

Several school districts participate in the Bully Reduction Anti-Violence Education program through North Shore-LIJ. Jill Vogel, director of guidance in the Valley Stream Central High School District, said the program has been in place for four years and is directed at junior high students. “I can’t tell you how much good it’s done,” Vogel said.

She added that the program encourages bystanders to take action and tell bullies that what they are doing is wrong. This year, cyberbullying has become a major focus, as students learn about potentially destructive behavior using computers, cell phones and other technology.