Anti-Bullying Accountability and Protection Act (ABAPA)

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Anti-Bullying Accountability and Protection Act” or ABAPA.

Bullying Epidemic:
1.1. Bullying in schools and online has reached alarming levels, leading to emotional, psychological, and sometimes fatal consequences for victims.
1.2. Many cases of bullying go unaddressed due to a lack of robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
Parental and Adult Accountability:
2.1. Parents and guardians often fail to address or prevent bullying behavior from their children.
2.2. Adults harassing or targeting children out of animosity toward their parents is unacceptable and must be prohibited.
Need for Stronger Protections:
3.1. Current anti-bullying laws are inconsistent and often lack teeth, leading to insufficient deterrence and accountability.
3.2. Laws must reflect the severe impact of bullying, especially in cases where victims harm themselves.

To establish clear, enforceable laws to prevent and address bullying in schools, online, and in other environments.
To hold parents and guardians accountable for the actions of minor children who engage in bullying.
To implement severe penalties for bullying behavior that results in harm, including self-harm, to victims.
To protect children from adult harassment and safeguard their well-being.

Bullying: Any repeated behavior, whether verbal, physical, written, or digital, intended to harm, intimidate, or demean another individual.
Cyberbullying: Bullying conducted through electronic communication, including social media, text messaging, email, and online platforms.
Harassment: Actions by adults targeting children with the intent to harm, intimidate, or humiliate, regardless of their relationship to the child.
Parent/Guardian Accountability: Legal responsibility borne by a parent or guardian for a minor child’s behavior, including bullying.

Bullying Prohibition:
1.1. Bullying is prohibited in all forms, including in schools, workplaces, and digital platforms.
1.2. Schools, online platforms, and employers must adopt and enforce anti-bullying policies consistent with this Act.
Parental Accountability:
2.1. Parents or guardians of minors who engage in bullying shall be required to attend mandatory counseling or educational programs.
2.2. Repeat offenses by the same minor may result in fines or community service requirements for the parents or guardians.
2.3. If bullying causes significant harm, parents may face additional civil liabilities.
Adult Harassment of Children:
3.1. Adults are prohibited from engaging in harassment or public disparagement of any child.
3.2. Violators shall face penalties, including fines, mandatory counseling, and potential criminal charges for severe cases.
Enhanced Penalties for Severe Outcomes:
4.1. Bullying that results in the victim’s self-harm or suicide shall carry harsher penalties, including criminal charges for manslaughter or reckless endangerment.
4.2. Sentencing guidelines shall include mandatory mental health counseling and restorative justice measures.

Mandatory Reporting:
1.1. Teachers, school staff, and administrators must report incidents of bullying to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours of becoming aware.
1.2. Failure to report bullying incidents may result in disciplinary actions, fines, or revocation of professional licenses.
Educational Programs:
1.1. Schools shall implement anti-bullying curricula, focusing on empathy, conflict resolution, and digital responsibility.
1.2. Annual workshops for students, parents, and staff shall be conducted to raise awareness of bullying and its consequences.
Zero-Tolerance Policies:
1.1. Schools must adopt zero-tolerance policies for bullying, with clear disciplinary measures such as suspension, expulsion, or transfer for repeat offenders.
1.2. Counseling services must be offered to both victims and perpetrators of bullying.

Social Media and Platform Accountability:
1.1. Social media platforms and online services must establish robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing cyberbullying.
1.2. Platforms failing to act on verified reports of cyberbullying within 48 hours shall face fines of up to $50,000 per incident.
Digital Footprint Education:
1.1. Schools and community programs must educate children on the consequences of cyberbullying and responsible online behavior.
1.2. Parents shall receive resources to monitor and guide their children’s online activities.

General Penalties:
1.1. First-time offenders of bullying shall face mandatory counseling and community service.
1.2. Repeat offenders shall face fines, additional community service, or juvenile detention for severe cases.
Parental and Guardian Penalties:
1.1. Parents of minors involved in bullying incidents may face fines of up to $5,000 and mandatory participation in counseling or parental education programs.
1.2. If bullying causes significant harm, parents may be held liable for restitution to the victim’s family.
Adult Harassment Penalties:
1.1. Adults harassing children shall face fines of up to $10,000, mandatory counseling, and potential jail time for severe offenses.

Free Counseling Services:
1.1. Schools must provide free counseling services for students affected by bullying.
1.2. Community mental health centers shall receive federal funding to expand services for bullying victims.
Crisis Intervention:
1.1. A national anti-bullying crisis hotline shall be established to provide immediate support for victims and their families.
1.2. Schools must have on-call mental health professionals to respond to bullying-related crises.

Anti-Bullying Task Force:
1.1. A federal task force shall be established to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this Act.
1.2. The task force shall issue an annual report to Congress with recommendations for improvement.
Independent Audits:
1.1. Schools and institutions shall undergo periodic audits to ensure compliance with anti-bullying policies and this Act.

Federal Funding:
1.1. This Act shall be funded through a combination of federal appropriations and fines collected from violations.
Implementation Timeline:
1.1. Schools and institutions shall have one year from the date of enactment to implement the required policies and programs.

Effective Date:
1.1. This Act shall take effect six months after its enactment.
Severability:
1.1. If any provision of this Act is found invalid, the remainder shall remain in effect.