AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Students and parents everywhere complain about bullying.
The powers-that-be keep trying things to keep their schools safe.
In Texas now, there's a new law that lets school districts adopt policies that don't allow bullying of any kind.
The law that was passed last year is giving schools the framework to develop and implement policies to tackle bullying issues.
"Quite frankly, schools have known for a long time that the problem existed. I'm talking for a long time, there's always been bullying and schools need to be able to do what they determine is best for those situations," said State Senator Kel Seliger, (R) Amarillo.
With the new law, schools now have the right to transfer a bully to a different classroom or campus. Before, it was just the victim that was allowed to be transferred.
"If the campus principal deems it's more appropriate to move the bullyer to a different campus or a classroom whatever the case may be, then we can follow through with that. That will be implemented the following school year," said Tracey Morman, AISD Guidance Director.
Morman says, as far as investigating bullying incidents, Amarillo Independent School District started those specific methods of investigating at the end of last school year.
"Any time bullying is being reported we have a form that we fill out that just documents all of our investigation into that. Did bullying occur? If it did, then what processes do we need to follow through," said Morman.
The district also has a form on its home page that allows anyone to report bullying anonymously. Parents, Morman wants you to be aware of the signs to look for in your child.
"Whenever they want to withdraw from something they love, just changes in behavior that are, just sudden or completely and totally out of the ordinary".
She adds, all parents should take time to talk to their kids about that. If ever you feel like your child is being bullied or is a bully, talk to their school counselor.
All steps you can take to combat a growing bullying epidemic.
Morman says with the school taking a stronger stance against bullying with flash mobs, and other activities, AISD has seen a decrease in reported cases of bullying this school year.
