Education, Legislation Needed to Prevent Bullying

I had the opportunity to visit the fourth graders at Westridge Elementary School in Ballwin last week to discuss state government and the importance of anti-bullying legislation.

My visit coincided with the school’s Buddies Not Bullies Week. Students participated in a variety of themed activities to celebrate anti-bullying week, including wearing pajamas to “Dream of a Bully Free World” and having an extra recess to “Be a Good Sport, Not a Bully.”

Sadly, 90% of fourth through eight graders in the US report that they have been bullied. Such harassment has been linked to depression, poor grades, and health problems, and students who witness bullying can also suffer from fear and guilt. While anti-bullying education is important, legislation is needed to protect our children from the physical, mental, and emotional pain of being bullied.

Every child is equally precious, and each student deserves legal protection from being harassed in their school or online. House Bill 134, which I filed last year, would have better addressed cyber-bullying and bullying in schools by requiring districts to create an anti-bullying statement, implement procedures for reporting and investigating bullying, and publicize an anti-bullying policy.

I plan to sponsor a similar piece of legislation next session, and I will work with those who opposed HB 134 to come to a compromise that will properly protect our students from the harmful effects bullying.

Over the next few months, I will be visiting more classes in my district, and I look forward to hearing students’ thoughts on the importance of preventing bullying in their schools.