Components of State Anti-Bullying Laws and Regulations
| Component | Included |
|---|---|
| Prohibiting statement | Yes |
| Definition | Yes |
| Scope | No |
| Protected groups | No |
| District policy requirement | Yes |
| Reporting and investigations | Yes |
| Consequences | Yes |
| Communication of policy | Yes |
| Safeguards and supports | No |
| Review and update of local policies | No |
| Prevention education | No |
| Staff training | No |
| Parent engagement | Yes |
Which Alaska laws and regulations cover bullying?
- Alaska Statute §14.33.200. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying policy
- Alaska Statute §14.33.210. Reporting of incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying
- Alaska Statute §14.33.220. Reporting; no reprisals
- Alaska Statute §14.33.230. Immunity from suit
- Alaska Statute §14.33.250. Definitions
How are bullying and cyberbullying defined in Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations?
Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations include the following definitions of harassment, intimidation, and bullying:
"Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means an intentional written, oral, or physical act, when the act is undertaken with the intent of threatening, intimidating, harassing, or frightening the student, and
- physically harms the student or damages the student's property;
- has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's education;
- is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
- has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Alaska Stat. § 14.33.250 (2006)
Do Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations cover cyberbullying that occurs off-campus?
No. Alaska anti-bullying laws do not include definitions of cyberbullying and do not explicitly cover conduct that occurs off school property.
What are the policy requirements for schools to prevent and respond to bullying behavior?
Alaska school districts are required to adopt a policy prohibiting the harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any student. District policies must contain key policy and procedural elements, including, but not limited to:
- Statement prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
- Statements emphasizing positive character traits and values, including the importance of civil and respectful speech and conduct and the responsibility of students to comply with the district policy;
- Provisions for an appropriate punishment schedule for violations of the policy up to and including expulsion and reporting of criminal activity to law enforcement authorities;
- Prohibitions against reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation; and
- Requirements for reporting acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to appropriate school officials.
Alaska anti-bullying laws require districts to report to the state all incidents resulting in suspension or expulsion for harassment, intimidation, or bullying on school premises or on transportation systems used by schools.
Do Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations include protections for specific groups?
No. There are no specific groups listed under Alaska anti-bullying laws or regulations.
Alaska 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 Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies?
No. Alaska school districts are not required to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies.
Do Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to train teachers and other school staff on how to respond to bullying incidents?
No. Alaska school districts are not required to train teachers or other school staff on how to respond to bullying incidents. However, the law does encourage the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to disseminate training and instructional materials.
Do Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying?
No. Alaska school districts are not required to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying.
Do Alaska anti-bullying laws and regulations involve parents in efforts to address bullying behavior?
Yes. Alaska school districts must adopt policies through the standard policy-making procedure for each district that includes the opportunity for participation by parents or guardians, school employees, volunteers, students, administrators, and community representatives.
For More Information
Visit the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development's "Bullying" webpage and/or view the Alaska state model policy on harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
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).