New Florida Law Helps Protect Your Child From Bullying At School

Governor Crist signed into law something that will help Florida parents who face the problem of schoolyard bullies with their children.

This new law is the Jeffrey Johnson Stand Up for All Students Act and requires all public schools K through 12, to draft and implement district wide anti-bullying policies and procedures to protect students. Jeff's Law as it is referred to, imposes substantial financial penalties on schools that fail to comply. The new law is very potent and yet very practical in getting teachers and administrators to act in the best interests of their students.

Jeff's Law joins other parental tools, such as the threat of prosecution under Florida criminal statutes, as well as the civil lawsuits filed against bullies and their parents, teachers and school administrators.

It's obvious to a civil trial lawyer like me that all three tools are needed to combat increasing violence in schools. From physical threats to cyber-bullying, today's students face dangers from bullies, not just including black eyes but also on their cell phones. This is one more tool parents now have to help their kids.