By Rebecca Beilinson

This past summer, the Connecticut General Assembly passed An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws, a law that expands on previous anti-bullying laws and, according the the state’s Commission on Children, “takes comprehensive steps to prevent bullying and ensure every child the right to learn in public school without fear of teasing, humiliation or assault.” As a result, Pomperaug, along with all other Connecticut public schools, is increasing its effort to stop bullying. A school climate committee is developing a plan that will increase awareness about what constitutes bullying, make protocol for reporting bullying clear, and bring in new programs like Names Can Really Hurt Us (find out more on page 10) and Talk About It (an online system that will let students anonymously contact advisors for help with bullying or other problems). With this in mind, the Phoenix surveyed 65 PHS students about bullying. Here’s what they thought about bullying at PHS.