Bill > A07687

This bill updates and expands provisions related to student dignity, harassment prevention, and suicide prevention in New York schools. It establishes a comprehensive Student Suicide Prevention Act that requires schools serving grades 7-12 to develop detailed policies addressing suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, with a particular focus on high-risk groups including LGBTQ students. The bill significantly expands definitions of harassment, bullying, and coercive control to include electronic communications and provides more robust protections for students. It mandates that schools develop strategies to prevent harassment and discrimination, require training for school employees on recognizing suicide risks and addressing bullying, and create protocols for responding to crisis situations. The bill also introduces requirements for media literacy and digital citizenship education, requiring teachers to receive professional development in these areas. Additionally, it requires schools to review and update their policies every five years and establishes reporting mechanisms for incidents of harassment, bullying, and suicide attempts. The comprehensive approach aims to create safer, more supportive school environments by addressing mental health, digital safety, and student well-being across multiple dimensions.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7687