Credit: LevittownNow.com
Bristol Borough students are being warned – there will be consequences if you bully a peer.
Last month, the school board passed a strict new anti-bullying policy. It’s one that school district officials have called “no tolerance policy.”
Advertisements
The new policy covers in-school, out-of-school and online bullying incidents involving students.
Superintendent Thomas Shaffer said the policy is similar to policies in nearby districts. He said the previous policy was last updated in 2010.
“This is a much more definitive policy and it is wider ranging,” board President Kelly Cochran said. “This is a 24/7 policy.”
Advertisements
Students who violate the new anti-bullying policy could face expulsion, suspension and mandatory counseling. Cochran said the punishment will be decided upon administration after an investigation.
Click here to read the policy
Serious bullying and harassment incidents are to be reported to police for investigation.
Advertisements
“I see them (the police) being a partner with us and not being an opponent of what we do,” said solicitor Lou Hornstine, who has represented LevittownNow.com in the past. “This is a place to enjoy education and students should not have to come and worry about being bullied.”
Cochran made it clear that if two students are bullying each other back and forth, both will be punished.
Board Vice President Jeff Paleafico asked parents to understand it takes time to conduct a proper investigation and it will not be completed immediately.
Advertisements
Parents and students are asked to report bullying to administrators immediately.
