Bullying prevention laws must require that consequences for unacceptable activity be established.  These clear consequences are important to put students, and staff, on notice that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and will be taken seriously. 

Further, any law should require that a strategy for counseling be provided for both targets and perpetrators, as severe bullying can have long-lasting effects.

Model bill language:

The school policy shall contain:

(a) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying;

(b) Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a student found to have falsely accused another as a means of retaliation, reprisal, or as a means of harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying;

(c) A strategy for providing counseling or referral to appropriate services, including guidance, academic intervention, and protection to students, both targets and perpetrators, and appropriate family members, affected by harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyberbullying, as necessary;

(d) A statement encouraging public schools and school districts to form bullying prevention task forces, programs, and other initiatives involving school staffs, pupils, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement, community members, and other stakeholders.