Sandoval, others gang up on bullying in Week of Respect

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Brian Sandoval said Nevada no longer will tolerate the bullying of schoolchildren as he proclaimed a state Week of Respect on Monday.

In a Capitol ceremony, Sandoval, Washoe County School District Superintendent Heath Morrison and state Sen. David Parks discussed a new state law that creates the special week to educate schoolchildren about bullying and what they can do to prevent it.

"This is the most common form of violence," Sandoval said, noting that one in four schoolchildren is bullied and that often children skip school because of fear of bullies. Some even consider suicide, he added.

The law also requires teachers to report any bullying they observe and schools to investigate all bullying complaints. Parents who complain about bullying and believe the school did not take appropriate action must be given the right to appeal to higher authorities.

Principals must keep track of bullying incidents and report to their districts what actions they have taken. Each school must establish a school safety team.

"We are making sure every employee is given training so they will report bullying," Morrison said. "We also want students to be comfortable to report bullying."

Sandoval said he discussed bullying with his second-grade daughter over breakfast, and she told him that bullying is "kids being mean to other kids" and that bullying makes children "feel sad."

If students respect themselves and others, then bullying will end, the governor added.

The bullying law went effect in July.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.