Components of State Anti-Bullying Laws and Regulations
| Component | Included |
|---|---|
| Prohibiting statement | Yes |
| Definition | Yes |
| Scope | Yes |
| Protected groups | No |
| District policy requirement | Yes |
| Reporting and investigations | Yes |
| Consequences | Yes |
| Communication of policy | No |
| Safeguards and supports | No |
| Review and update of local policies | No |
| Prevention education | Yes |
| Staff training | No |
| Parent engagement | No |
Which American Samoa laws and regulations cover bullying?
- Student Policy Handbook. §22. Control of dangerous and anti-social behavior – Bullying
- Student Policy Handbook. §55. Use of technology
Note: These policies were shared via email communication from AS DOE to the NCSSLE on April 8, 2015; a publicly accessible version of this document has not been identified. For more information, contact: http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/as.html.
How are bullying and cyberbullying defined in American Samoa anti-bullying laws and regulations?
American Samoa anti-bullying laws include the following definition of bullying:
"Bullying" means behavior that includes direct physical contact such as hitting or shoving, verbal assaults such as teasing or name-calling, and/or social manipulation or isolation.
American Samoa Student Policy Handbook, Section 22, Control of dangerous and anti-social behavior—Bullying
Cyberbullying means bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles. Messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a wide audience through the social media.
American Samoa Student Policy Handbook, Section 55, Use of technology
Do American Samoa anti-bullying laws and regulations cover cyberbullying that occurs off-campus?
No. American Samoa anti-bullying laws do not cover off campus conduct.
What are the policy requirements for schools to prevent and respond to bullying behavior?
American Samoa anti-bullying laws prohibit bullying, intimidation, and harassment and require students and staff to immediately report bullying incidents. Staff who witness bullying incidents must take immediate steps to intervene. Students who are in violation of the bullying policy are subject to disciplinary action, which may lead to suspension.
Do American Samoa anti-bullying laws and regulations include protections for specific groups?
No. There are no specific groups listed under American Samoa anti-bullying laws or regulations.
American Samoa schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination based on certain personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.
Do American Samoa anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies?
Yes. American Samoa schools must provide instruction on appropriate behavior when utilizing school technology resources, especially online or web content. Instructions for appropriate use of social networking websites, and chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response must be included in the instruction to students.
Do American Samoa anti-bullying laws encourage or require districts to train teachers and other school staff on how to respond to bullying incidents?
No. American Samoa anti-bullying laws do not require districts to train teachers and other school staff on how to prevent or respond to bullying incidents.
Do American Samoa anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying?
No. American Samoa anti-bullying laws do not require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying.
Do American Samoa anti-bullying laws and regulations involve parents in efforts to address bullying behavior?
No. American Samoa anti-bullying laws do not create expectations for parent involvement in addressing bullying behavior.
For More Information
Visit the American Samoa Department of Education webpage.
The key component framework used in the analysis of state laws is based on the review of legislation presented in the "Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies – December 2011" (U.S. Department of Education).