Pinellas schools adopt new bullying policy

Largo, Florida - A new state law protecting students and school employees from bullying, cyber bullying and harassment is on the books for Pinellas Schools. The policy called, "Jeff Johnston Stand Up For All Students Act" was spearheaded by his mother Debbie.

Jeff is a Cape Coral teen who in 2005 committed suicide after a classmate's relentless bullying at school and on the internet. It took Debbie three years to get the law past and by December 1st all Florida school districts are required to make the law part of district policy.

The Hillsborough school district is working on its new policy, Pinellas school board members updated its new anti-bullying policy during its regular meeting today. The law requires school districts to report all cases of bullying and how each case is resolved. The district defines bullying as teasing; social exclusion; threat; intimidation; stalking; including cyberstalking; physical violence; theft; sexual, religious or racial harassment, public humiliation and destruction of property.

Parents of the victim and the bully will be notified and both sides will receive counseling. Schools have 10 days to complete its investigation of each incident. School administrators will have the ability to move victims or bullies to different classes or different schools. School districts will also offer training to everyone from students to volunteers and administrators.

To read more about Pinellas' new policy click here. Click on the yellow folder next to the November 11th meeting date, then look at the book mark on the left scroll down to "unfinished business" and click on the second reading of policy number 1.08.

10 Connects local schools reporter Isabel Mascarenas did a special report on cyber bullying earlier this year and spoke to Jeff's mom Debbie. To hear more about her personal journey to help protect victims and bullies click here.