Department of Education Re-Launches Bully Prevention Site

On PFLAG National blog’s Policy Matters we recently posted a brief summary of the updated federal bully prevention site, StopBullying.gov. The newly revised website is a result of a partnership between the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the White House , and emphasizes how individuals can take action against bullying in their local schools and communities.

"Bullying is not just an education or health problem, it is a community problem," said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the Department of Health and Human Services. "We are committed to working together at the federal level to help communities, schools and families address it as a single problem."

This impressive and informative site provides information covering a wide range of topics, and even dedicates an entire section to “Bullying & LGBT Youth.” 

On their homepage you will find a variety of tools which you can use to learn about, understand, and help prevent bullying:

• How to recognize the warning signs of bullying and when to take action.
• Tips to prevent bullying before it start.
• How to implement strategies for intervention. 
• Ways to share your community’s resources, policies or strategies to prevent and address bullying Information on bullying laws in your state

An especially useful feature is the interactive map which allows you to view anti-bullying laws and policies by state. Here you can see what language is used in your state’s anti-bullying legislation, which groups are protected under the law, what key components are covered, and follow links which allow you to read each law for yourself.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced the re-launch of the site, and issued a strong statement against bullying: “Bullying can no longer be seen somehow as a normal rite of passage...voices from across the nation have started speaking out about bullying. I want to thank all of you for elevating bullying as an issue that must be addressed. But we all know talking about simply is not enough. We must work together, take action, and make things better.”