A Content Analysis of Protective Factors Within States' Antibullying Laws

Abstract

State lawmakers have responded to school bullying by crafting antibullying legislation. By July 2011, 47 states enacted such laws, though varied widely in content and scope. This study systematically evaluated each state's antibullying legislation by focusing on the inclusion of individual, parental, and systemic protective factors through analysis of 27 researcher-developed criteria. Although protective factors were often mentioned, overall states' antibullying language lacked clarity. The ambiguity in language and gaps of protection that exist are concerning regarding potential bullying behavior on individual, familial, and school system levels. Results of this content analysis identified areas for improvement in antibullying legislation. For instance, although the majority of states had antibullying legislation, clear guidelines for school officials were often lacking.