Private elementary and secondary schools; policies relating to bullying and cyberbullying, etc.

This legislation requires all private elementary and secondary schools in Virginia to establish and implement clear policies to prevent and address bullying and cyberbullying. Schools must create formal procedures for students and parents to report incidents, ensuring that administrators investigate claims and provide appropriate interventions for those involved. By mandating these protective measures, the bill aims to improve student safety and well-being across the state’s private educational landscape. For Arlington families, this means private institutions will be held to a higher standard of accountability regarding student conduct and online harassment, mirroring requirements already in place for public schools. The policy changes are intended to foster a safer, more supportive learning environment and reduce the prevalence of peer-to-peer mistreatment in private school settings.