Ohio lawmakers enact a bill requiring schools to update bullying policies

Public awareness of bullying has increased in the past few years due to individuals committing suicide as a means to escape from the feelings associated with being repeatedly harassed. Now, some states are instituting new laws in an effort to prevent this behavior in schools.

For instance, Ohio lawmakers recently required all schools to update their policies concerning bullying and harassment, according to the Chillicothe Gazette.

Officials told the news source that the law defines harassment, intimidation or bullying as multiple acts that cause physical or mental harm that creates an threatening or abusive educational environment. This provision must be available in all student handbooks in order to adhere to the laws set forth by the state.

However, if parents wish to have their child learn in an non-hostile environment, boarding schools may be an attractive option. These facilities allow teens to earn their diploma without the threat of harassment or bullish behavior from their peers.

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, approximately 21 percent of students will be a victim of bullying in grade school.