by EMILY SZPAK Social Media Coordinator
While bullying has become a serious issue that America is facing lately, some argue that the laws are too strict and everything is considered bullying. Imagine a world where you cannot even call someone out without getting charges pressed. Well, that is the world we live in.
With the new anti-bullying law, America has really cracked down on the bullying that has consumed our schools. New Jersey’s bullying policy is one of the strictest policies on the east coast.
The law protects children from incidents on and off school grounds. Any incident – verbal, physical act, or written – that is interpreted as a characteristic of bullying is considered so. If you are reported to be engaging in bullying, your parents will be charged a fine.
Clearly now that bullying is becoming a legal issue, it is not being taken lightly in New Jersey schools. Some argue that the law is too broad, saying that everything we say to anyone can be construed as bullying.
Bullying to me is a ridiculous issue. I just find it disgusting how you can be that mean to someone where it is considered bullying. However, maybe the issue is that it is not that difficult to have your comment interpreted as bullying.
Intimidating is one of the most broad aspects of the law. Intimidating people is a part of life. If you want to get on top, you have to show them what you have got to offer. To get ahead of people, you need a little friendly competition, but some people do not handle it well, and you cannot be held responsible.
Purposely emotionally hurting someone is one thing, but if you had no intention of doing so, and the person accusing you has his or her issues, why should you be reprimanded? Some people, especially in this day and age, are easily intimidated.
“I think the laws are very important and not too strict at all, because a lot of kids are bullied today,” says junior Anne Ballman.
I do not think it is insensitive to say that children are a lot more emotionally frail today. Perhaps the evolution of bullying is responsible for this. Now in the safety of your own home, you can be contacted by your bully. On the other hand, with the advancement of today’s technology, you can block numbers and delete friends! You need to take charge of your own life and problems, and I think that that needs to be made clear in schools across the country.
Some people are cruel; that is the world we live in. If someone intentionally hurts you and makes you feel victimized enough where you feel unsafe, then they do deserve everything that comes to them. However, learning how to let things go, and stick up for yourself are important life skills that you will eventually need to develop.
“The laws are important to have, but I feel like I can’t say anything to anyone without being written up. I once got a phone call home for giving someone a ‘dirty look’!” says junior Tiffany Goncalves.
What do you think of the bullying laws?