Gavin Howe
Bullying is a pressing issue that can have detrimental and long-lasting effects on the lives of those involved. Iowa has implemented anti-bullying laws to address this issue. The state's bullying laws define bullying and harassment and outline the responsibilities of school employees, volunteers, parents, guardians, and students in preventing, reporting, and addressing these incidents. Iowa's laws also require districts to integrate anti-bullying policies into school improvement plans and establish systems to collect data on bullying and harassment incidents. While these laws provide a framework, each school district is responsible for adopting its own policies and procedures to prevent and address bullying effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of bullying and harassment | Any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment |
| Definition of harassment | When they communicate with another in person, by telephone, writing, or electronic communication without a legitimate purpose in a manner and with the intent to intimidate, annoy, or alarm that person |
| Conditions under which bullying is defined | Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property |
| Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health | |
| Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's academic performance | |
| Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school | |
| Role of school administrators | Verify bullying policies, complaint and investigation process, forms, and listed consequences are easy to find on the website and in student handbooks |
| Role of parents and guardians | Contact the police to report the harassment |
| Role of teachers | Receive better training to accurately report and intervene in efforts to safeguard students |
| Law protecting students | The Iowa Civil Rights Act |
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What You'll Learn
Iowa's definition of bullying
Iowa has a clear definition of bullying and harassment, with specific laws and policies in place to address this issue, especially in schools. The state's definition of bullying and harassment encompasses any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student. This conduct must be based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student, including but not limited to age, colour, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, physical attributes, ability or disability, and socioeconomic status.
The key component is that these actions create an objectively hostile school environment, meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property.
- Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health.
- Interferes with the student's academic performance.
- Interferes with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges.
Iowa's anti-bullying laws require districts to integrate anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies into comprehensive school improvement plans. School administrators are responsible for addressing bullying in all parts of a student's school experience and are expected to lead prevention efforts. These efforts include verifying that bullying policies, complaint and investigation processes, forms, and listed consequences are easily accessible to the school community.
Additionally, Iowa school districts must adopt a policy declaring that harassment and bullying are against state and school policy. These policies must contain key elements such as statements of scope, indicating where and when the policy applies, and procedures for reporting and investigation. The Iowa Department of Education works with districts and schools to ensure compliance with state and federal codes, implementing appropriate policies and procedures to keep everyone safe.
It is important to note that Iowa's bullying and harassment law (Iowa Code 280.28) was modified with House File 865, effective July 1, 2025. School boards and administrators should review and update their policies to reflect these changes and ensure that students, families, and staff have access to the updated information.
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The role of parents and guardians
Iowa's anti-bullying laws define "harassment" and "bullying" as any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student. This creates an objectively hostile school environment that places the student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property, substantially impacts their physical or mental health, interferes with their academic performance, or impedes their ability to participate in school activities or services.
- Awareness and Education: Parents and guardians should familiarize themselves with the school's anti-bullying policies, procedures, and resources. They should also educate themselves about the signs of bullying and the potential impact on their children's well-being and academic performance.
- Communication: Open communication between parents, guardians, and the school is essential. If a child reports bullying or displays signs of being bullied, parents and guardians should immediately contact the school and work collaboratively with administrators and staff to address the issue.
- Documentation: It is important to keep a written record of any bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and the nature of the behavior. This documentation can be crucial for a thorough investigation and resolution.
- Reporting: Parents and guardians should follow the school's established reporting procedures. They should know the designated person responsible for receiving reports and ensuring the implementation of the anti-bullying policy. If bullying occurs outside of school, they may also consider contacting local law enforcement to report harassment.
- Collaboration: Working together with the school, parents, and guardians can help develop and review anti-bullying policies, ensuring they are comprehensive, effective, and easily accessible to all stakeholders. This collaboration can also extend to participating in bullying prevention initiatives and educational programs within the school community.
- Support: Providing emotional support for their child is crucial. Parents and guardians should listen non-judgmentally, offer reassurance, and help their child feel valued and loved. Encouraging their child to share their experiences and emotions fosters an environment where they feel comfortable seeking help.
- Empowerment: Parents and guardians should empower their children to stand up against bullying safely. Teaching them assertiveness skills, conflict resolution strategies, and ways to seek help can help them effectively respond to bullying situations.
- Monitoring: Paying close attention to their child's behavior and well-being is essential. Any changes in mood, academic performance, or social interactions could indicate bullying. Early detection can help prevent long-term negative consequences.
- Promoting Resilience: Building resilience in children can help them cope with bullying and minimize its impact on their well-being. Parents and guardians can encourage their children to develop healthy coping strategies, such as engaging in extracurricular activities, practicing self-care, and cultivating a strong support system.
By actively engaging in these roles and responsibilities, parents and guardians can make a significant difference in preventing and addressing bullying. Their involvement ensures that their children feel supported and protected, fostering a safer and more positive school environment.
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School responsibilities
Iowa's anti-bullying laws define "harassment" and "bullying" as any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student. This creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property
- Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health
- Interferes with a student's academic performance
- Interferes with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges
Iowa's anti-bullying laws require schools to take on several responsibilities. Firstly, schools must integrate anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies into their comprehensive school improvement plans. They are also required to develop and maintain a system to collect data on incidents of harassment and bullying. Schools must ensure that their anti-bullying policies are easily accessible to students and families, posting them on their websites, including them in handbooks, and making them available in school offices. School administrators have the responsibility to lead bullying prevention efforts and address bullying in all parts of a student's school experience, making the school a safer and more positive place to learn.
Schools must also ensure that their bullying policies, complaint and investigation processes, forms, and listed consequences are easy to find on their websites and in student handbooks. When bullying occurs, schools should work with the district to gather information and conduct an inquiry. They should also talk to the relevant school staff, such as the student's teacher or advisor, to determine if any short-term or long-term decisions will affect the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), health plan, or other relevant plans.
Additionally, schools must ensure that their anti-bullying policies are in line with other relevant laws and policies, such as Title VI, Title IX, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and civil rights laws. Schools must address bullying and harassment based on a student's disability that interferes with or limits their ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or opportunities.
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Cyberbullying
Iowa has anti-bullying laws in place that specifically address both bullying and cyberbullying. The state's definition of "harassment" and "bullying" includes any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic. This includes traits such as age, colour, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, physical attributes, physical or mental ability, and more.
Iowa's anti-bullying laws require districts to integrate anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies into comprehensive school improvement plans. Schools are expected to develop and maintain a system to collect data on harassment and bullying incidents, and to implement prevention measures, reporting procedures, and investigation processes. The laws also outline the expected behaviour of school employees, volunteers, parents or guardians, and students in relation to bullying prevention, reporting, and investigation.
Iowa's Bullying/Harassment Law, Iowa Code 280.28, was modified with House File 865, effective July 1, 2025. This law defines harassment and bullying as any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment. This includes acts that place a student in reasonable fear of harm, substantially detriment their physical or mental health, interfere with their academic performance, or interfere with their ability to participate in school services, activities, or privileges.
Iowa schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination based on certain personal characteristics. Additionally, school districts are encouraged to establish programs to eliminate harassment and bullying, and to provide training to school employees, volunteers, and students to help reduce incidents.
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Legal aid and support
Iowa anti-bullying laws include definitions of harassment and bullying, as well as the expected behaviour of school employees, volunteers, parents or guardians, and students in terms of prevention, reporting, and investigation. The laws also outline disciplinary actions for violations and specify procedures for reporting and investigation.
If you need legal aid and support regarding bullying in Iowa, here are some options:
Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid provides legal assistance to low-income Iowans facing civil legal issues, including bullying and harassment. You can apply for help by calling 800-532-1275. They can provide information on your legal rights and options, as well as help you understand the anti-bullying laws in Iowa.
Iowa State Bar Association
If Iowa Legal Aid is unable to assist you, you can find a private attorney through the Iowa State Bar Association's website, iowabar.org. Here, you can consult with an attorney for a fee of $25 for 30 minutes of legal advice. This can be helpful if you need more personalized guidance or representation in a legal matter related to bullying.
School Attorney
If the bullying is occurring in a school setting, you can contact the school's attorney for assistance. They can provide information on the school's policies and procedures regarding bullying and help ensure that the school is following the law and its own policies in addressing the issue.
Law Enforcement
If the bullying or harassment continues away from school property, parents and guardians may consider contacting the police, especially if it involves any form of electronic, written, verbal, or physical conduct that places a student in reasonable fear of harm or has a detrimental effect on their well-being. Evidence of the harassment, such as messages, emails, or other forms of communication, can be helpful when making a report to the police.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The website StopBullying.gov, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers a wealth of information on bullying prevention, student safety, and related topics. It also includes specific details on Iowa's anti-bullying laws and policies, as well as resources for parents, students, and schools.
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Frequently asked questions
Iowa defines bullying as any repeated and targeted electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student that creates an objectively hostile school environment. This includes placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property, having a detrimental effect on their physical or mental health, or interfering with their academic performance.
Iowa's anti-bullying laws require school districts to adopt policies that declare harassment and bullying in schools as against state and school policy. These policies must be integrated into comprehensive school improvement plans, and districts must develop systems to collect data on bullying incidents. The laws also outline the expected behaviour of school employees, volunteers, parents, guardians, and students in terms of prevention, reporting, and investigation of bullying incidents.
If you are being bullied in Iowa, you should immediately contact your school and work with the district to gather information and conduct an inquiry. You can also refer to your district's handbook and website for the approved policy and process for reporting bullying. Additionally, keep a written record of the details of incidents and any communication with the school. If the bullying occurs away from school property, parents and guardians may consider contacting the police to report the harassment.
