Wisconsin is considering a local anti-bullying law that would fine the parents of kids found displaying aggressive or abusive behaviors towards their peers. The ordinance, which is being discussed in the city of Wisconsin Rapids, aims to give school staff and even police additional tools to tackle the problem of bullying as well as serving as a “wake-up call to parents” about their kids’ behavior, according to Wisconsin Rapids Police Chief Ermin Blevins.
- Your kids’ behavior could cost you. The ordinance, which the city’s Legislative Committee referred to the Common Council after voting unanimously to support it, would not only make bullying or harassment strictly forbidden but would also protect those who reported that behavior from retaliation. Finally, for kids under 18 years old, their parents would become financially responsible for their kids’ behavior.
- What kind of fine are we talking? According to the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, City Attorney Susan Schill said that the first offense would fine parents $50, but with associated costs would end up totaling $313. She also believes that further violations of the anti-bullying law should climb with each subsequent offense.
- A particularly terrible bullying episode inspired the ordinance. In February, a post began circulating on social media showing a 7th-grade girl at Wisconsin Rapids Area Middle School had been receiving handwritten letters from her peers telling her to kill herself. Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Craig Broeren proposed the idea of the fines soon after.
- The Grand Rapids Town Board already passed a similar law. In April 2019, they passed an ordinance which allowed authorities to fine those who were guilty of “an intentional course of conduct which is reasonably likely to intimidate, emotionally abuse, slander or threaten another person and which serves no legitimate purpose.” The Grand Rapids Police Chief Mel Pedersen said that after a police investigation of the bullying reports, those found guilty could be fined up to $10,000. However, their law isn’t limited to minors.
- The anti-bullying law in Wisconsin Rapids was due for discussion on June 18. However, due to coronavirus, it’s uncertain when that meeting will now happen. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a bad idea!
