Components of State Anti-Bullying Laws and Regulations
| Component | Included |
|---|---|
| Prohibiting statement | Yes |
| Definition | No |
| Scope | Yes |
| Protected groups | No |
| District policy requirement | Yes |
| Reporting and investigations | Yes |
| Consequences | Yes |
| Communication of policy | Yes |
| Safeguards and supports | Yes |
| Review and update of local policies | No |
| Prevention education | No |
| Staff training | No |
| Parent engagement | Yes |
Which Arizona laws and regulations cover bullying?
- Arizona Revised Statutes §15-153. Crime reporting; policies and procedures; notification; discipline
- Arizona Revised Statutes §15-341. General powers and duties; immunity; delegation
- Arizona Revised Statutes §15-2301. Hazing prevention policies; definitions
How are bullying and cyberbullying defined in Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations?
Arizona anti-bullying laws do not define harassment, intimidation, and bullying. School districts are required to include definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in district policies and procedures.
Do Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations cover cyberbullying that occurs off-campus?
No. Arizona anti-bullying laws do not cover conduct that occurs off school property. School district policies prohibit conduct that occurs on school grounds, on school property, on school buses, at school bus stops, at school-sponsored events and activities, and through use of electronic technology or electronic communication on school computers, networks, forums and mailing lists.
What are the policy requirements for schools to prevent and respond to bullying behavior?
Arizona school districts are required to prescribe and enforce policies and procedures to prohibit pupils from harassing, intimidating, or bullying other pupils. District policies must contain key policy and procedural elements, including, but not limited to:
- Definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying;
- Procedures for reporting and investigation;
- Procedures for notifying the alleged victim and alleged victim's parent or guardian when a school official or employee becomes aware of a suspected incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
- Requirements to provide written copies of the rights, protections, and support services available to alleged victims and procedures to protect the health and safety of pupils who are physically harmed as the result of incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying; and
- Disciplinary consequences for violations of the policy.
Do Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations include protections for specific groups?
No. There are no specific groups listed under Arizona anti-bullying laws or regulations.
Arizona schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination based on certain personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.
Do Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies?
No. Arizona school districts are not required to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies.
Do Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to train teachers and other school staff on how to prevent or respond to bullying incidents?
No. Arizona school districts are not required to train teachers or other school staff on how to prevent or respond to bullying incidents.
Do Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying?
Yes. Arizona school districts are required to adopt procedures to protect the health and safety of pupils who are physically harmed as the result of incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying and to provide written copies of the rights, protections, and supports services available to alleged victims.
Do Arizona anti-bullying laws and regulations involve parents in efforts to address bullying behavior?
Yes. Arizona school districts must adopt procedures for notifying the alleged victim and alleged victim's parent or guardian when a school official or employee becomes aware of a suspected incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
For More Information
Visit the Arizona Department of Education's "School Safety and Social Wellness" webpage.
The key component framework used in the analysis of state laws is based on the review of legislation presented in the "Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies – December 2011" (U.S. Department of Education).