A plain-English guide to New Jersey’s bullying and cyberbullying law, written for school counselors and other school staff. Start with the summary, then open any section below for the legal details.
Bottom line for counselors: New Jersey requires every school district to have a written bullying policy. The law covers cyberbullying, including off-campus behavior that affects school. Follow your district's reporting and investigation steps and keep careful notes.
New Jersey's bullying law includes 14 of 14 key elements, which Lantern rates comprehensive. Cyberbullying can also be a crime under New Jersey law. State law lets schools discipline students for cyberbullying. School phones: statewide ban (S3695, January 8, 2026). New Jersey also has an online-safety law for minors: New Jersey Privacy Act, SB 332.
Sources last checked: StopBullying.gov summary reviewed May 5, 2026 · school phone rules checked November 11, 2026 · online-safety tracker updated August 26, 2026.
Lantern · State profile
Comprehensive state protections · 14 of 14 key elements
- Covers cyberbullying Yes
- Reaches off-campus behavior Yes
- District policy required Yes
- Reporting & investigation rules Yes
- Staff training Yes
- Support for students involved Yes
- School phone rules Statewide phone restriction
- Online safety laws for minors 1 on the books
What this means for counselors
- Your district is required to have a written bullying policy. Find it, and learn who in your building receives reports.
- State law sets expectations for reporting and investigating bullying. Follow your district's steps and timelines, and keep careful notes.
- Cyberbullying that happens off campus can be addressed when it affects school. Record how the online behavior reached or disrupted school.
- The law calls for support for students who are involved. That is core counseling work, for the student targeted and for the student who bullied.
- Staff training is part of state law. Ask when training happens and make sure it covers cyberbullying and social media.
- Prevention education is expected. Classroom lessons on digital citizenship and online empathy fit here.
- The law names protected groups. Bullying based on these characteristics may also be a civil rights issue for your school.
- Your state limits student phone use at school. Know your school's phone rules so responses to online incidents are consistent.
- Your state has laws on minors' online safety. They mostly regulate tech companies, but they are useful context when you talk with families.
What New Jersey’s bullying law includes
- Bans bullying outright: included
The law clearly states that bullying is not allowed. - Defines bullying: included
The law spells out what counts as bullying. - Says where the rules apply: included
The law describes where the rules apply, such as school grounds, buses, events, or online. - Names protected groups: included
The law lists characteristics, such as race or disability, that bullying often targets. - Districts must have a policy: included
Every school district has to adopt a written bullying policy. - Reporting and investigation rules: included
The law sets out how bullying is reported and investigated. - Consequences for bullying: included
The law describes consequences for students who bully. - Policy shared with families: included
Districts have to tell students, staff, and families about the policy. - Support for students involved: included
The law calls for protection or support, such as counseling, for students who are involved. - Policies reviewed and updated: included
District policies have to be reviewed and kept up to date. - Prevention education: included
The law requires or encourages bullying prevention lessons or programs. - Staff training: included
The law requires or encourages training for teachers and other staff. - Parent involvement: included
The law involves parents in preventing or responding to bullying.
Questions and answers about the law
Do New Jersey anti-bullying laws and regulations cover cyberbullying that occurs off-campus?
Yes. New Jersey anti-bullying laws cover off-campus conduct that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students and that:
(a) a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property;
(b) has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or
(c) creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.
What are the policy requirements for schools to prevent and respond to bullying behavior?
New Jersey school districts are required to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying. District policies must contain key policy and procedural elements, including, but not limited to:
- Statements prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
- Definitions of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
- Descriptions of the type of behaviors expected from each student;
- Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for any persons who commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
- Procedures for reporting and investigation;
- Statements prohibiting reprisal or retaliation;
- Statements regarding how the policy will be publicized within the district; and
- Designation of an anti-bullying coordinator.
New Jersey anti-bullying laws encourage districts to annually conduct, with the input from the school anti-bullying specialists, a re-evaluation, reassessment, and review of its policy, making any necessary revisions and additions.
Do New Jersey anti-bullying laws and regulations include protections for specific groups?
Yes. New Jersey anti-bullying laws prohibit harassment, intimidation, or bullying that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic as described in New Jersey Statutes Annotated §18A:37-14.
New Jersey schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination based on certain characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.
Do New Jersey anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to implement bullying prevention programs or strategies?
Yes. New Jersey school districts are encouraged to annually establish, implement, document, and assess bullying prevention programs or approaches, and other initiatives involving school staff, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law enforcement, and community members. School districts may form school safety teams in each school within the district to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate. School districts are also encouraged to observe a “Week of Respect” to provide age-appropriate instruction focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying. New Jersey school districts may incorporate instruction on responsible use of social media into the technology education curriculum for students in grades 6 through 8.
New Jersey anti-bullying laws direct the Department of Education to make available an online a tutorial on best practices in the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
Do New Jersey anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to train teachers and other school staff on how to respond to bullying incidents?
Yes. New Jersey school districts are required to provide training to teachers and other school staff regarding the policy and appropriate procedures relative to policy implementation.
Do New Jersey anti-bullying laws and regulations encourage or require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying?
Yes. New Jersey school district policies must include an appropriate combination of services that are available within the district such as counseling, support services, intervention services, and other programs. School districts may apply to the Department of Education for grants from the “Bullying Prevention Fund” to support the provision of out-of-district programs and services.
Do New Jersey anti-bullying laws and regulations involve parents in efforts to address bullying behavior?
Yes. New Jersey school districts are encouraged to develop policies in consultation with parents and other community members, school employees, school volunteers, students, and school administrators.
Answers from StopBullying.gov, last reviewed May 5, 2026.
School phone and device rules
Statewide ban. Most recent statewide action: S3695, January 8, 2026.
Source: Ballotpedia, checked November 11, 2026.
Online safety and social media laws for minors
These laws mostly place duties on apps, platforms, and websites, such as age checks, parental consent, or limits on addictive feeds. Several have been challenged in court.
- New Jersey Privacy Act, SB 332
In effect: January 15, 2023
Source: Orrick Online Safety Law Tracker, updated August 26, 2026.
Legal citations, explained (43)
Each entry shows what the law or rule is about first, then its official name with abbreviations spelled out.
- Instruction in suicide prevention for public school teaching staff Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:6-112 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:6-112
- Report card information Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:7E-3 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:7E-3
- Training program; requirements Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:12-33 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:12-33
- New Jersey School Safety Specialist Academy; certification programs Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:17-43.2 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:17-43.2
- Reporting of certain acts by school employee; report; public hearing Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:17-46 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:17-46
- Annual report to Legislature Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:17-48 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:17-48
- "School leader" defined; training as part of professional development Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:26-8.2 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:26-8.2
- Instruction on responsible use of social media Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:35-4.27 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:35-4.27
- :35-4.31. Recess period required; exceptions Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A
- Development, distribution of guidelines concerning transgender students Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:36-41 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:36-41
- Causes for suspension, expulsion of pupils Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-2 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-2
- Findings, declarations relative to adoption of harassment and bullying prevention policies Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-13 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-13
- Findings, declarations relative to school bullying Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-13.1 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-13.1
- Short title Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-13.2 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-13.2
- Definitions relative to adoption of harassment and bullying prevention policies Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-14 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-14
- Adoption of policy concerning harassment, intimidating or bullying by each school district Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15
- "Electronic communication" included in school districts' harassment and bullying prevention policy Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15.1 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15.1
- Actions required relative to bullying policy Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15.2 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15.2
- Policy to include certain incidents occurring off school grounds Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15.3 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-15.3
- Reprisal, retaliation, false accusation prohibited Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-16 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-16
- Establishment of bullying prevention programs or approaches Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-17 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-17
- Other remedies unaffected Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-18 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-18
- Application by school district for reimbursement Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-19 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-19
- Appointment of school anti-bullying specialists, coordinator Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-20 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-20
- School safety teams Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-21 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-21
- Program required for teaching certification Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-22 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-22
- Program required for administrative and supervisory certification Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-23 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-23
- Development of guidance document Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-24 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-24
- Establishment of formal protocol for investigating a complaint Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-25 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-25
- Inservice workshops, training programs Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-26 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-26
- Development of online tutorial, test Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-27 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-27
- "Bullying Prevention Fund." Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-28 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-28
- "Week of Respect"; designated Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-29 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-29
- Inapplicability to certain situations Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-32 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-32
- Rules, regulations Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-32.1 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 18A:37-32.1
- Training course for safe schools resource officers, liaisons to law enforcement Law passed by the legislature New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 52:17B-71.8 Read the text of New Jersey Statutes Annotated Section 52:17B-71.8
- Professional standards for teachers Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:9-3.3 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:9-3.3
- Requirements for and implementation of school leaders’ individual professional development plans Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:9C-4.3 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:9C-4.3
- Definitions Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-1.3 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-1.3
- Incident reporting of violence, vandalism and alcohol and other drug abuse Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-5.3 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-5.3
- Code of student conduct Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-7.1 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-7.1
- Conduct away from school grounds Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-7.5 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-7.5
- Harassment, intimidation, and bullying Rule from a state agency New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-7.7 Read the text of New Jersey Administrative Code Section 6A:16-7.7
Official New Jersey resources
Educational information, not legal advice. Laws change, so confirm with your district and state education department.
Find a school district in New Jersey
Search by ZIP code, select a district on the map, or look one up by name. Each district links to a search for its own bullying policy, since district rules can go further than state law.
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