Report: Long Branch School District Had Over 100 Bullying Incidents Last Year

By Christopher Sheldon

The Long Branch School District had over 100 reported Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) incidents during the 2012-13 school year

The New Jersey Department of Education on Thursday released its annual Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse in the Schools Report for 2012-2013 on Thursday

The report documents self-reported incidents of violence in each district.

Out of 5,397 students enrolled in the school district, there were 103 HIB incidents, the highest total in Monmouth County.

Amended by Governor Christie in 2011 through the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, districts are required to report all incidents confirmed by the school board that that meet the definition of HIB, including those that occur off school grounds. In addition, they must report the number of HIB investigations conducted; the trainings provided to prevent and reduce incidents of HIB; and the programs designed to create school-wide conditions to prevent and address HIB.

There were also two reported weapons incidents in the district last school year. There were no reported violent, vadalism or substance incidents reported by the school district.

Overall, the total number of incidents (violence, bullying, etc.) in New Jersey schools plummeted by 19 percent from the previous year, led by a 36 percent drop in the number of bullying incidents reported.

Overall violence in New Jersey schools was down 4 percent year-over-year.