March 28, 2024

End bullying in Iowa

A couple of years ago I spent a lot of time reading, researching and learning about bullying in schools. Amid the mounds of material that is available online, in the library and via experts on the subject, a few common things about bullying still stand out to me today.

Victims of bullying are often silent. Because they feel quite a bit of shame and self-doubt, young people experiencing bullying often don’t reach out to adults. Those who are willing to talk must be entirely desperate and should be taken seriously. Far too often, the action taken in regards to bullying allegations could mean the difference between life and death.

Last week, Gov. Terry Branstad — for the second time — introduced legislation that would give victims, parents and educators more tools to address bullying in Iowa schools.

Now it’s time for lawmakers to make good on addressing the Bully Free Iowa Act of 2015. This common-sense legislation empowers educators to address one of the ugliest forms of torment — cyberbullying.

The American Academy of Pediatrics calls cyberbullying “the most common online risk for all teens.” Digital media, social-networking sites and texting can lead to a special kind of anguish for kids these days. It takes form in the distribution of embarrassing photos or false information, or straight up hate and harassment. It’s not uncommon to hear about situations in which youth are being told they are hated, or they should kill themselves. Some heed that message.

The fact of the matter is kids who are being bullied are not learning. They do not feel safe going to school or riding the bus. Perhaps the torture doesn’t end when the school day does. Victims might expect to be harassed well into the night via social media.

This legislation would empower schools to address bullying that doesn’t occur on school grounds. It would also train teachers on the subject.

Another thing I love about the proposal is the establishment of a student mentoring pilot program that would explore how student leadership can help prevent bullying and violence in schools. The program would promote best practices for bullying and violence prevention for middle school and high school students.

I’ve seen how powerful student mentoring programs can be. And while this proposal only puts the pilot program in four Iowa schools, it would have the ability to grow.

Meanwhile, the law would get parents involved. Branstad’s proposal would require parental notification of bullying incidents, with an exception if a school administrator or student reasonably believes it could lead to rejection, neglect or abuse.

A recent Iowa Youth Survey says that at least 57 percent of Iowa students have experienced bullying in the last month. Ending bullying in Iowa and passing legislation that protects our students and helps strengthen our schools should be a high-priority. Not only for the 57 percent of students who reported being bullied in the last month, but for those who are suffering in silence.

Contact Abigail Pelzer at
641-792-3121 ext. 6530
or apelzer@newtondailynews.com