TRENTON – The Senate Education Committee advanced a bill sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Angela V. McKnight that would incorporate bullying awareness and prevention education into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards.

“Bullying has no place in our society, and early education is one of the best ways to build awareness and prevent these behaviors before they take root,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “Consistent lessons on bullying as part of New Jersey’s education standards can help our kids build the confidence and knowledge to recognize bullying, call it out, and build a more compassionate and inclusive community.”

“In a time that feels increasingly intolerant, we must teach our children that leading with kindness is still valued and calling out bullying anywhere is the right thing to do,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “Incorporating bullying awareness and prevention education into our learning standards will help students understand the impact their actions have on others, build empathy, and give them the confidence to speak up when something isn’t right.”

Under the bill, S-4457, bullying awareness and prevention education would be incorporated into the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. The curriculum would include definitions of bullying and its various types, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. The education would be designed to develop an awareness and sensitivity to how bullying can intersect with intolerance of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, ability, or other distinguishing characteristics.

It would also address the permanence of social media posts and the potential harm caused by online harassment. Students would learn about the consequences of bullying for perpetrators, including disciplinary and criminal actions that could affect their future.

The Commissioner of Education would provide school districts with age-appropriate sample learning activities and resources.

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