The response to schoolyard bullying has evolved from the old adages of “Kids will be kids,” “Just ignore them,” and “It happens to everyone.” We now understand the profound impact bullying can have on a child’s self-esteem, trust, relationships, and ability to learn. Research shows that the effects of bullying can last a lifetime.
While schools have made progress in addressing bullying, there is still an essential aspect that needs improvement: reporting incidents to the state. The Dignity for All Students Act mandates that schools collect and report data on discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
However, a recent report by the Times Union reveals that the number of bullying incidents reported in New York State has declined by 85% over the past decade, despite national statistics indicating an increase in bullying. Many schools in the Capital Region and across the state report minimal or no incidents, even when parents have raised concerns about racial slurs and other forms of bullying.
This failure to report incidents falls short of what the law requires. The state needs this data to identify patterns, evaluate effectiveness, and hold districts accountable. This issue of underreporting is not new and has been previously highlighted in 2013 and 2017 reports, which showed inconsistent compliance and serious errors in reporting.
To address this problem, the state must assess whether educators and support staff need more training on identifying and reporting bullying. Administrators should receive comprehensive training on complying with the law. Regular audits and penalties for consistent underreporting should be implemented to ensure accountability at all schools.
We urge the New York State Council of School Superintendents, the School Administrators Association of New York State, and the state Education Department to prioritize this issue and work towards fostering a safe and discrimination-free educational environment.
It is clear that the current self-reporting system is ineffective and needs improvement. Every school must be responsible for reporting incidents, and every child deserves to feel safe in their learning environment.
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