Anti-bullying task force to help Illinois schools stop the behavior

By Staff Writer

With the recent awareness of the effects of bullying, many parents, school officials and students are seeking ways to educate themselves on the harmful behavior that is affecting many children today.

In an effort to combat this bullying, school districts in DuPage County are developing an Anti-Bullying Task Force, reports the Chicago Tribune.

The task force will be led by several former high ranking officials in the state’s attorney general's office. The aim of the program is to help clearly define bullying, establish a recommended model of policy for school districts and to research the best practices for schools to support bullying prevention and intervention efforts.

Officials told the news source that the highest risk of bullying occurs on the Internet, through mobile phones and on the school bus. As a result, some schools are implementing the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support program that will help educate students and parents about problem behavior while promoting positive actions.

According to a survey conducted by the Cyberbullying Research Center, a total of 7.5 percent of students reported being harassed online in 2009.