19th Sep 2024

Matt Epling Safe School Law
an image of a sad boy in front of a school sign with the words stop bullying written on his hands
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It is that time of year again. The end of summer is nearing, and back-to-school activities are in full force.

A new school year can be exciting for students, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Bullying is a major problem in the school system that many students face. A 2019 survey showed that over 20% of Michigan high school students get bullied. Bullying can cause long-term and severe damage to children, and in extreme cases, can result in suicide as it did for Matt Epling. He was a victim of bullying and ended his own life in 2002, the summer before he was to begin his freshman year at East Lansing High School.

In Michigan, Matt Epling Safe School Law, or “Matt’s Law,” was enacted to address bullying in schools. Matt’s Law requires that school districts adopt anti-bullying policies that outline procedures for staff and students to report incidents to administrators or staff members who are designated to address them, notify parents of the children involved, and investigate those incidents. The law also requires school districts’ policies to include “a procedure to report all verified incidents of bullying and the resulting consequences, including discipline and referrals, to the board of the school district or intermediate school district or board of directors of the public-school academy on an annual basis.”

Matt’s Law covers bullying “at school” but also extends to bus stops, school-sponsored activities off school premises, and conduct using any telecommunications device or service provider if the device or provider is under the school district’s control.

While the law does not require schools to train their staff on how to respond to or prevent bullying, they are encouraged to do so. It is important for school administration and staff to have the proper training to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying.

The Matt Epling Safe School Law defines bullying as any “written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more pupils.” Some types of bullying are obvious, while others can be very subtle, yet still detrimental to children.

There are other types of bullying that children can be victims of including religious bullying, racial bullying, sexual bullying, and disability bullying. It is imperative that schools adopt and enforce these policies to help keep our children safe.

To learn more about Michigan’s anti-bullying laws and what they require visit HERE.

People seeking help for themselves, or others can call the National Suicide Preventing Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. Among the warning signs of suicide: talking about suicide, expressions of hopelessness, personality changes, depression or giving away possessions. Learn more about the resources HERE.

A list of crisis hotlines in Michigan can be found HERE. In the Lansing area, those hotlines include The Listening Ear at 337-1717 and Gateway Community Services Statewide Crisis Line at 351-4000.

For more information about suicide resources visit the resource center HERE.

Written by Monika K. Marku

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