Yes — New Jersey has one of the strongest anti-bullying laws in the country. The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (P.L. 2010, Ch. 122) — often referred to as the HIB law (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) — requires every public school district to adopt and enforce a detailed policy prohibiting bullying, both on and off school grounds.
Students with IEPs or 504 Plans and Bullying Protections
Bullying can have devastating effects on children with disabilities. When bullying interferes with a child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, schools have additional obligations.
Key Features of the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Law
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Covers bullying that occurs on school property, buses, or at school events, as well as certain off-campus acts that substantially disrupt school operations.
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Defines HIB broadly as any gesture, written, verbal, or physical act, or electronic communication that is motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other distinguishing trait.
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Requires prompt investigation and reporting:
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Verbal report → same day
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Written report → within 2 days
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Investigation → begins within 1 day and completed within 10 days
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Superintendent → receives findings within 2 days
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Board of Education must review the case at its next meeting.
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Each school must appoint an Anti-Bullying Specialist and the district an Anti-Bullying Coordinator, plus establish a School Safety Team.
Schools that fail to follow these procedures can face state review, civil consequences, or federal claims if they ignore bullying reports — especially when the student is part of a protected class.
Cyberbullying & Criminal Liability in New Jersey
In addition to the school-based ABR Act, New Jersey’s cyber-harassment statute (N.J. Stat. § 2C:33-4.1) makes it a criminal offense to use electronic communications to threaten, humiliate, or harass another person.
Depending on the facts, cyber-harassment can be charged as a fourth- or third-degree crime, punishable by fines and potential jail time.
What Schools Must Do
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Investigate immediately. If a student with an IEP or 504 Plan is bullied, the school must determine whether the bullying impacts the student’s ability to access education.
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Hold an IEP or 504 meeting. The team should review whether the child’s plan needs modifications, such as social-emotional supports, one-to-one aides, or placement adjustments.
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Prevent retaliation. Schools must protect students from retaliation for reporting bullying incidents.
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Document everything. Written reports, investigation results, and parent communications should be preserved.
Failure to act promptly may constitute both a violation of New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act and a denial of FAPE under federal law.
Signs Your Child’s Rights May Be Violated
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Bullying incidents are ignored or downplayed by school staff.
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The IEP team refuses to discuss the impact of bullying.
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Your child’s attendance, grades, or mental health decline due to school climate.
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The school delays or mishandles required HIB investigations.
If these situations sound familiar, it may be time to consult an attorney familiar with both New Jersey education law and federal disability rights.
What Parents Can Do
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Keep records — save screenshots, messages, or reports.
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Submit a written HIB report to the school.
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Request an IEP or 504 meeting to address safety and educational impact.
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Follow up in writing after every conversation with administrators.
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Contact an education attorney if the district fails to act.
How Stewart Lee Karlin Law Group Can Help
Our firm represents families across New Jersey facing bullying and discrimination in schools. We can:
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Review school responses to determine if they comply with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
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Examine IEP and 504 Plans for potential FAPE violations.
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Advocate for changes in services, placement, or district accountability.
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Pursue administrative complaints or litigation when necessary.
We believe every student deserves an environment that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning — and every parent deserves to know their child’s rights are being protected. Contact Stewart Lee Karlin Law Group, PC today if you feel your child is being bullied.
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