Copyright Staten Island Advance
Editor’s note: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced with the proper mental health support and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. In commemorating International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act on Friday. The new law requires private schools to reinforce or create anti-bullying policies and report procedures with the goal of protecting students in such schools from harassment, bullying and discrimination. “The Jack Reid Law protects kids from the harmful impacts bullying can have on their lives,” Hochul said. “Every student deserves to feel safe when they’re learning, online with fellow students or enjoying school events off campus, no matter what school they’re enrolled in. As New York’s first Mom-Governor, I will always stand up for the safety and well-being of our children and do everything in my power to make sure no family endures the kind of heartbreak that inspired this law.” The law is named after Jack Reid, a 17-year-old student who died by suicide in 2022 after he was bullied for a year at boarding school. This law now requires staff at all schools in New York state to maintain policies and procedures when bullying is reported. Schools must prohibit bullying or harassment, whether it takes place at school, online, or during a school function, regardless of whether or not it is on school grounds. They are now also required to adopt a clear anti-bullying and harassment policy which will be made available to parents, students and staff alike. The law also establishes obligations for reporting and the investigation of bullying among students. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Senator Hoylman-Sigal, and Assemblywoman Solages, and the co-sponsors, for their dedication and leadership to protecting all students in New York,” Elizabeth and Bill Reid, Jack’s parents, said in a prepared statement. “After we lost our son, Jack, we made a promise to honor his life by protecting others from the pain he endured. The passage of the Jack Reid Law in New York is a crucial step forward, but it is not the finish line – we look forward to building on this progress and advancing similar protections across the country. All children deserve to live in a world where their well-being and happiness are not compromised by the cruelty of bullying.” Editor’s note: The Advance/SILive.com typically limits reporting on suicides to those that occur in crowded public places, involve public figures or, in special circumstances, where there is a larger public impact. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
