Bill 52 Aims to Create Safer Spaces for Kids Across the City
Bullying is a pervasive issue, affecting countless young people in various forms—physical, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying. In Honolulu, City Council member Augie Tulba is leading the charge to combat this problem. He is addressing it with Bill 52. The measure is designed to create comprehensive anti-bullying policies across all city-run programs and properties.
Tulba experienced bullying firsthand while growing up in Kalihi. He has made it his mission to create a safer environment for kids. Inspired by his daughter’s anti-bullying foundation, Be Respectful and Value Everyone (BRAVE), Tulba believes this bill will offer support. It will help youth to speak up. It ensures their voices are heard.
“Back then, your choices were defending yourself physically, comedy or being a victim,” Tulba shared. “Later, when I became a parent to two kids who are openly gay, I knew the challenges we’d be facing. I learned a lot through my daughter’s foundation, BRAVE, especially about how important it is to be able to speak out. That’s what this is all about — making sure our kids are safe and have the opportunity to speak up and be heard.”
What Bill 52 Will Do
If passed, Bill 52 will need all city agencies and programs serving youth to implement strict anti-bullying policies. These policies must include:
- Annual training on bullying prevention
- Clear procedures for reporting and responding to incidents
- Sanctions and remedies to prevent bullying and protect victims
- An appeals process for those involved
- Parental notification for both the victim and the accused
- Referral services for social or counseling support
- Law enforcement reporting when necessary
To make a real impact, the bill acknowledges all forms of bullying. This includes cyberbullying tactics like spreading rumors, catfishing, and harassment. Such harassment encourages self-harm.
Building a Culture of Support
Tulba’s passion for this initiative is clear in his school visits with BRAVE. He often asks students if they would stand up for their friends who are being bullied.
“It’s always unanimous,” he said. “Everybody stands. But the truth is that most of them won’t stand up for their friends because there are ramifications. With this bill, we want to show that we’re taking bold steps. We aim to help kids stand up. We want them to know that they have support. We want to make sure that everybody understands the problem and how to address it.”
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has also voiced his strong support for the bill. He emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable youth. This is especially critical for those in the LGBTQ+ community who experience bullying at higher rates.
“Unfortunately, many youths are reported to have experienced bullying, with bullying of our youngest members of the LGBTQ+ community growing at an alarming rate,” Blangiardi said. “Bill 52 serves to stop this vicious cycle as it relates to our future generations and takes major steps forward to stop the vicious cycle of bullying.”
A Step Toward a More Inclusive City
With support from the administration, Bill 52 is a major step toward fostering inclusivity, respect, and equality in Honolulu. The Council is preparing to take up the measure. Many hope it will set a powerful precedent for other cities. They are looking to take action against bullying.
By prioritizing awareness, training, and accountability, Honolulu is making it clear: bullying will not be tolerated.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/tpvsqTFuK18?si=cHWOo-5HTl9dEvk8
- https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/politics/2022/10/04/council-to-consider-anti-bullying-bill
- https://www.bravehawaii.org/
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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