Bullying and Harassment

The 2010 Legislature passed Substitute House Bill 2801, a Washington State law which prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in our schools.

RCW 28A.300.285 defines harassment, intimidation and bullying as any intentionally written message or image—including those that are electronically transmitted—verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.
• Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment.
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying is repeated negative behavior toward a less powerful person or persons. Hitting, name-calling, shunning, and shaming are all forms of bullying. Spreading rumors, gossiping and making threats are also forms of bullying. For further information in cyberbullying, see Safety Center Internet Safety.

Schools are required to take action if students report they are being bullied. Beginning in August 2011, each school district is required to adopt the model anti-bullying policy and procedure provided here.

Model Policies and Procedures
Substitute House Bill 2801 called for OSPI to create a model policy and procedures on harassment, intimidation and bullying. OSPI submitted the following policy and procedure to the Legislature on December 1, 2010. Districts were required to adopt or amend their policy and procedures to, at a minimum, incorporate these models by August 1, 2011:

• Model Policy (PDF) (Word)
• Model Procedure (PDF) (Word)

In addition to the model HIB policy and procedures, OSPI also developed supporting templates and training materials which can be adapted for local use.

• Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying – Targeted Student Safety Plan Template
• Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying – Targeted Student Safety Plan (Primary) Template
• Sample HIB Incident Reporting Form (Word)

Compliance Officer Information

• Compliance Officer List 2011-12 (PDF)
• Compliance Officer Definitions & Functions

Training PowerPoints - Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Cyberbullying
The following four PowerPoint presentations are provided to assist districts with the harassment, intimidation and bullying training requirements of RCW 28A.300.285. The four presentations are in an FAQ format and include:

• HIB FAQ – 2011: This presentation covers background and reporting requirements of the legislation.
• Bullying Intro FAQ – 2011: This presentation provides a general background into bullying and harassment prevention and intervention.
• Cyberbullying Intro FAQ – 2011: This presentation provides a general background into cyberbullying.
• HIB FAQ (LEA Adaptable) – 2011: This presentation is designed to be adapted by local school districts to include district-specific information. A brief instructions document, HIB FAQ ( LEA Adaptable) – Instructions , accompanies this presentation.
• Best Practices in the Prevention of Bullying was presented by Dr. Susan Limber of Clemson University, as part of a February 17, 2012, webinar made available through the American School Health Association.

OSPI resources on bullying and harassment

• Model Policy and Procedure FAQ (PDF)
• Bullying Fact Sheet
• Bullying Prevention Resources (PDF)
• Internet Safety Brochure
• Healthy Youth Survey
• Threat Notification
  • Sample Policy (Word)
  • Sample Procedure (Word)

Bullying Work Group
Work group information and meetings

Helpful links and reports

National School Safety Center: Established by presidential directive, the national center is an advocate for safe, secure and peaceful schools.

International Bullying Prevention Association: The IBPA supports and enhances quality research based bullying prevention principles and practices to achieve a safe school climate, healthy work environment, good citizenship and civic responsibility.

Cyberbullying research Center: The Center provides up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.

STRYVE: Striving to Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere: A national initiative, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which takes a public health approach to preventing youth violence before it starts.

Addressing the Problem of Juvenile Bullying: A fact sheet from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Committee for Children: Provides many resources for bullying prevention. This site can guide the selection of a bullying prevention program by the bullying prevention committee.

Bullying in Washington Schools: Update 2008 (PDF): A report from the Social and Economic Sciences Research Center, Puget Sound Division.

Girls Study Group: Understanding and Responding to Girls' Delinquency (PDF): An examination from the U.S. Department of Justice on the involvement of girls in violent activity and the contexts in which girls engage in violent behavior.

The Office of the Education Ombudsman provides assistance to resolve complaints, disputes, and problems between families and elementary and secondary public schools in all areas that affect student learning.