stopbullying.gov

Washington Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies

What term is used in the Washington anti-bullying laws?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Do these laws cover cyberbullying?

Yes.  

What groups are listed under Washington state law?

Although not limited to behavior based on characteristics, the following groups are listed under Washington state law:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Ancestry
  • National origin
  • Gender
  • Sexual orientation
  • Mental, physical, or sensory handicap

Schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.

Is there a state model policy I can use to create anti-bullying policies at my school or district?

A state model policy is available at the Washington Department of Education Exit Disclaimer.

Which of the key components can be found in Washington anti-bullying laws and policies?

Key ComponentsPresent in Washington State LawsPresent in Washington Model Policy

DEFINITIONS

Purpose

YES

YES

Scope

YES

YES

Prohibited Behavior

YES

YES

Enumerated Groups

YES

YES

DISTRICT POLICY REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT

District Policy

YES

N/A

District Policy Review

YES

N/A

DISTRICT POLICY COMPONENTS

Definitions

YES

N/A

Reporting

YES

YES

Investigations

YES

YES

Written Records

YES

YES

Consequences

YES

YES

Mental Health

YES

YES

ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS

Communications

YES

YES

Training/Prevention

YES

YES

Transparency/Monitoring

NO

NO

Legal Remedies

YES

YES

NOTE: Click on the Key Components links to get more information about that component.

What are the Washington state laws that cover bullying?

For More Information

See “Bullying PreventionExit Disclaimer from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Information for this page was developed from “Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies – December 2011” (U.S. Department of Education).