Disability Resources

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying can have serious and lasting effects on children and young adults. No one should suffer in silence. If you or someone you know is being bullied—whether in school, online, or anywhere else—it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you can take to stop it.

Jeffrey Johnston’s Story and Why It Matters

Jeffrey Johnston was a bright, kind teenager from Florida. Like many kids, he had big dreams and a loving family. But for two years, he endured relentless bullying, including online harassment despite reporting the bullying to his school. The pain of that experience eventually became too much, and Jeffrey died by suicide.

His mother, Debbie Johnston, turned her grief into action. She fought to make sure no other family would have to go through the same heartbreak. Because of her efforts, Florida passed the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act in 2008. This law requires schools to take bullying seriously and protect students from harassment, including cyberbullying.

What is the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act?

The Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act (the Act) is a Florida law that helps protect students from bullying and harassment. It applies to all public schools in the state and requires them to take action when bullying happens.

Here’s what the law does:

  • Every school must have an anti-bullying policy. Schools must create rules to prevent and address bullying, and they must share these rules with students, parents, and staff.
  • Bullying and cyberbullying are not allowed. The Act prohibits bullying at school, on the bus, at school events, and even online.   
  • Students and parents can report bullying. Schools must provide a way for people to report bullying, and reports can be made anonymously.
  • Schools must investigate bullying reports. When someone reports bullying, the school must investigate  and take action if necessary.
  • Schools must protect victims. If a student is being bullied, the school must step in to stop it and make sure the student feels safe.
  • Schools must create consequences for bullying. Students who bully others can face disciplinary actions based on the school’s policies.

If a school does not follow this law or ignores bullying, they can face consequences from the state. The goal of this law is to make sure that every student in Florida can learn in a safe environment without fear of bullying.

What Counts as Bullying?

Bullying is more than just teasing or joking around. It’s repeated behavior that hurts someone emotionally or physically. This can include:

  • Verbal abuse – name-calling, insults, or threats
  • Physical harm – hitting, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings
  • Cyberbullying – spreading rumors, sharing private messages, or posting mean comments online
  • Exclusion – purposely leaving someone out to hurt them

No one deserves to be treated this way. If you’re experiencing bullying, there is help.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is Being Bullied

  1. Speak Up – If you feel safe, tell the person to stop. Sometimes, bullies back down when they see they don’t have control.
  2. Tell an Adult – A teacher, school counselor, or parent can help take action.
  3. Report It – The Act requires that schools have a way to report bullying, even anonymously.
  4. Keep Records – Save messages, emails, or screenshots if the bullying is happening online. This can help prove that bullying is happening.
  5. Support Each Other – If you see someone being bullied, stand up for them or get help. No one should face bullying alone.

Need Help?

If your school isn’t taking action or if the bullying won’t stop, you have options. You can contact:

  • Disability Rights Florida – We can help students with disabilities who are facing bullying or harassment.
  • Florida Department of Education – Schools are required to follow anti-bullying laws.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 for free, confidential support.

Bullying is never okay. You have the right to feel safe, respected, and valued. If you’re being bullied, don’t stay silent—there are people who care and want to help.

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