Washington State Safety Center

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

Washington state takes school bullying very seriously and passed a law that requires schools to take action if students report they are being bullied. Bullying is repeated negative behavior toward a less-powerful person.

Hitting, name-calling, shunning, and shaming are all forms of bullying. Spreading rumors, gossiping and making threats online are also forms of bullying. Washington’s Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) provides statistics on bullying in Washington schools, and there is an annual conference that focuses on bullying.

Bullying Fact Sheet

In 2002, Washington adopted a law prohibiting harassment, intimidation and bullying in Washington schools. In 2007, Washington amended the law to include electronic forms of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

The Bullying Fact Sheet defines bullying and outlines who to contact for bullying assistance.

Model Policies and Procedures:

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying:
- Model Policy (Word)
- Sample Policy 3207 (pdf)
- Sample Procedure 3207P (pdf)

Threat Notification:
- Sample Policy (Word)
- Sample Procedure (Word)

Reports

Social and Economic Sciences Research Center (SESRC) Bullying in Washington Schools Report (PDF)

Cyber-Bullying and Internet Safety

In 2007, Washington amended its anti-bullying law to include the prohibition of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is bullying using electronic devices to initiate repeated negative behavior toward a less-powerful person.

Electronic name-calling, shunning and shaming are all forms of cyberbullying. So are spreading rumors, gossiping and making threats online. Schools are permitted to discipline students who engage in cyberbullying if it disrupts the orderly operation of school.

Cyber Safety

OSPI's Internet Safety Brochure:

English (Color-pdf) (BW-pdf)
Tagalog (pdf)
Spanish (pdf)
Cambodian (pdf)
Korean (pdf)
Russian (pdf)
Somali (pdf)
Ukrainian (pdf)
Vietnamese (pdf)

Family Safety Guidelines for the internet. There are specific things you can do to help keep your own teens safe. Start by getting involved! Educate yourself on how the Internet works and keep tabs on your child's computer use.

NetSmartz (Internet Safety for Younger Children)

Useful Links and Publications

Statutes/Regulations

RCW 28A.300.285 - Harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policies -- Model policy and training materials -- Posting on web site

RCW 28A.600.480 - Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Law - Reporting of harassment, intimidation, or bullying - Retaliation prohibited

RCW 28A.635.090 - Interference by force or violence – Penalty

RCW 28A.635.100 - Intimidating any administrator, teacher, classified employee, or student by threat of force or violence unlawful – Penalty

Old Capitol Building, PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7200 (360) 725-6000 TTY (360) 664-3631