Bullying: Michael J. Berry Peer Abuse Prevention Advisory Council.

Existing law defines "bullying" as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, as defined, and including one or more acts of sexual harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against school district personnel or pupils, committed by a pupil or a group of pupils, that would cause a reasonable pupil, as defined, to be in fear of harm to his or her person or property, to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health, to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance, or to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. This bill would enact the Michael Joseph Berry Peer Abuse Prevention and Awareness Act of 2014, pursuant to which the Michael J. Berry Peer Abuse Prevention Advisory Council would be established by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and would be required to provide input, information, and technical assistance to the Superintendent on issues related to bullying and peer abuse, as specified. The bill would require the Superintendent to appoint members to the advisory council, which would include individuals who have experience in specified areas, including, among others, social media and behavioral health services. The bill would specify the goals and objectives of the advisory council and would require the Superintendent to make certain recommendations to school districts related to issues of bullying and peer abuse. The bill would provide that it is only operative to the extent that funding is appropriated in the annual Budget Act or if the Superintendent determines that sufficient funding is available for implementation of its provisions.