Wisconsin Bullying Laws Just Got Tougher

The sad truth is that in today’s school system, bullying in simply going to happen. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 students will be bullied at school. In 2010 a report found that there were three main reasons kids were being bullied: looks (55%), body shape (37%), and race (16%). In recent years there has been a shift to prevent bullying in school and one Wisconsin town is making a major push in this area.

The Village of Plover approved a city ordinance that allows the city to fine the parents of a child who is caught bullying. In order to be fined the child must be caught bullying twice. After the first offense the parents will be notified in writing. If the child is caught bullying again within 90 days, the parents will receive a $124 fine.

In order for a fine to be issued the police must be involved in the situation.

Plover is following in the footsteps of Monona, Wisconsin, which passed similar laws in 2013. Since then police in Monona reported a decrease in bullying, only issuing a handful of warnings and no fines.

Dan Ault, Plover Police Chief, authored and promoted the bill. Ault said the goal of this bill is to hold parents responsible for the way they raise their children.

“It’s not the police department’s responsibility to raise your children, you know, it’s our responsibility to provide a safe community,” says Chief Dan Ault.

Bullying can happen in multiple ways and in multiple locations: at school, at various gathering places, or even online.

As kids wrestle with their identity, they’re bound to make mistakes. Some mistakes can cause them to lose privileges at school, and now bullying can cost their parents money. Other mistakes can have a far greater impact on their future. If your child has made a mistake and needs legal help, call the criminal defense lawyers at Huppertz & Powers.