Standing Up to Bullying: How Florida Is Making Schools Safer - By Vivian Havlin

Standing Up to Bullying: How Florida Is Making Schools Safer

Bullying is something no student should ever have to face, yet it still happens every day. It can leave lasting emotional scars, hurt kids’ confidence, and make school feel like a scary place instead of a safe one.

Luckily, Florida takes this issue seriously. The state has put strong laws in place to protect students and make sure schools are a welcoming space for everyone. Let’s break down what bullying is, how we can prevent it, and what Florida is doing about it.

What Does Bullying Look Like?

Bullying isn’t just kids being “mean” — it’s repeated, aggressive behavior where one person tries to have power over someone else. It shows up in different ways:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or messing with someone’s stuff.

• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, or making cruel jokes.

• Social bullying: Leaving people out on purpose, spreading rumors, or trying to ruin someone's reputation.

• Cyberbullying: Using texts, social media, or online posts to harass or embarrass someone.

No matter the form, the damage can be deep — and it’s important to take it seriously.

How We Can Help Stop Bullying

Fighting bullying isn’t just a “school” problem — it’s something everyone needs to work on together: students, teachers, parents, and the community. Here’s what makes a real difference:

• Teaching empathy: Helping students understand what others feel and why kindness matters.

• Creating safe spaces to speak up: Students need to know they can report bullying and be protected.

• Setting clear rules: Schools should spell out what behavior is okay — and what isn’t — and stick to it.

• Offering support: Victims need a safe place to heal, and bullies often need help too, to change their behavior.

• Getting families involved: When parents, schools, and local groups work together, it sends a powerful message.

What Florida’s Law Says

Florida’s response is called the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act — named after a student whose story inspired real change.

This law requires every school district to have strong anti-bullying policies in place. Here's what schools must include:

• A clear message that bullying and harassment are not allowed — no exceptions.

• Detailed definitions of bullying, including online bullying.

• Examples of good behavior that students and staff should follow.

• Consequences for bullying — so everyone knows what will happen if rules are broken.

• Ways to report bullying safely and confidentially.

• Steps to investigate complaints quickly and fairly.

• Support services like counseling for those involved.

• Tracking bullying incidents and reporting them to the state.

Florida even gives schools a ready-made guide to help them create strong policies that really work.

Keeping Schools on Track

The law also makes sure schools stay accountable:

• Every policy must be reviewed at least every three years.

• The Commissioner of Education must report every year on how schools are doing — what’s working and what still needs fixing.

This way, no one can just “set it and forget it.” Anti-bullying efforts have to stay strong and up to date.

Why It Matters

Bullying steals away kids’ sense of safety and belonging — but it doesn't have to be that way. Thanks to strong laws, smart prevention programs, such as our Youth Crime Watch (YCW), we can make sure every student feels safe, seen, and supported. Contact our office today to learn more about how you can get involved with a YCW club today.

Florida’s approach is clear: Every student deserves to learn without fear. And it’s up to all of us — parents, teachers, friends, and neighbors — to stand up, speak out, and show what real kindness looks like.

Until next time, stay informed, stay safe, and watch out for one another. Because when we know better, we protect better.

Need help or have questions?

📞 Call our office at 305-470-1670

🌐 Visit us online at www.citizenscrimewatch.org