The physical, social, and emotional well-being of students can be impacted by unwanted aggressive behavior or bullying.  

In accordance with A.C.A. § 6-18-514, all public school students have the right to receive their education in an environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat of harm by another student, in person or by electronic means.

New Legislation in 2019

Act 190 – School Counseling Improvement Act of 2019 addresses the school counselor’s role in bullying prevention, training and protocols in schools.

Act 1029 – This act amends previous anti-bullying legislation and addresses anti-bullying continuing education, notice procedures and reporting requirements.

Guidance in Addressing School Bullying

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) developed the following guidance on bullying prevention, as required by Act 1029  in consultation with state agencies, school personnel, advocacy organizations, and other interested parties to support public school districts and public charter schools in addressing the issue of school bullying.

•  DESE Bullying Prevention Guidance (in English) (en español)
  

Download the Bullying Prevention Roles Visual (PDF) or click on the image below.

To support Arkansas schools and school districts, the DESE is providing links to a selection of resources available that are free to Arkansas educators.

Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying
https://www.schoolsafety.gov/prevent/bullying-and-cyberbullying

Stop Bullying
http://www.stopbullying.gov/

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
http://www.samhsa.gov/

SAMHSA Bullying App
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/knowbullying

Eyes On Bullying
http://www.eyesonbullying.org/

National Crime Prevention Council
https://www.ncpc.org/resources/bullying/

DESE Resources
http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/learning-services/technology-initiatives-and-resources/cyber-safety-resources

Arkansas IDEAS - Bullying
http://ideas.aetn.org/course_catalog?subject=Health&tess=2a

American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/topics/bullying/index.aspx 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  -  School Violence: Prevention Tools and Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/tools.html