If you or someone you know in Iowa is dealing with bullying or cyberbullying, there are resources and tools available to provide support, report incidents, and help prevent future occurrences. Here's a comprehensive guide: --- ### **Immediate Steps for Victims:** 1. **Document the Incidents:** - Save screenshots, messages, emails, or any evidence of bullying or cyberbullying. 2. **Report the Behavior:** - Report bullying to the school, workplace, or platform where it occurred. - If there's immediate danger, call **911**. 3. **Seek Support:** - Reach out to trusted adults, school counselors, or support organizations for help and advice. --- ### **Iowa-Specific Resources:** - **Iowa Department of Education – Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Resources:** - Provides guidelines for schools on handling bullying and harassment. - Website: [https://educateiowa.gov](https://educateiowa.gov/) - Contact your school district to understand their anti-bullying policies and procedures. - **Your Life Iowa:** - A comprehensive support platform for bullying, mental health, and substance use. - Phone: **1-855-581-8111** - Text: **855-895-8398** - Website: [https://yourlifeiowa.org](https://yourlifeiowa.org/) - Includes resources for students, parents, and educators. --- ### **Legal Protections in Iowa:** - **Iowa Anti-Bullying Law (Iowa Code Chapter 280.28):** - Requires schools to have anti-bullying policies that address harassment based on personal characteristics, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. - Bullying must be reported to school administrators, who are required to investigate. - **Harassment or Threats via Electronic Means:** - Cyberbullying may fall under Iowa’s harassment laws. Serious cases can be reported to local law enforcement. - Contact the **Iowa Attorney General's Office** for legal guidance: - Phone: **515-281-5164** - Website: [https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov](https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/) --- ### **Support for Schools and Educators:** - **Iowa Safe Schools:** - Specializes in creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students and addressing bullying. - Phone: **515-381-0588** - Website: [https://www.iowasafeschools.org](https://www.iowasafeschools.org/) - **StopBullying.gov:** - Offers resources for schools and parents to prevent bullying and implement effective intervention strategies. - Website: [https://www.stopbullying.gov](https://www.stopbullying.gov/) --- ### **Mental Health Support:** - **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:** - Dial **988** for 24/7 support in dealing with bullying-related emotional distress or crisis. - Website: [https://988lifeline.org](https://988lifeline.org/) - **National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Iowa:** - Provides resources and support groups for those affected by bullying and related mental health challenges. - Phone: **1-800-950-NAMI (6264)** - Website: [https://namiiowa.org](https://namiiowa.org/) --- ### **Cyberbullying-Specific Resources:** - **Report Cyberbullying to Platforms:** - Most social media platforms have tools to report abusive content or accounts. - Visit platform help centers (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat) for reporting guidelines. - **National Cyberbullying Research Center:** - Provides information on cyberbullying laws and prevention strategies. - Website: [https://cyberbullying.org](https://cyberbullying.org/) - **ConnectSafely.org:** - Offers tips for safe internet use and responding to cyberbullying. - Website: [https://www.connectsafely.org](https://www.connectsafely.org/) --- ### **For Parents and Guardians:** - **Family Education on Bullying Prevention:** - Teach children to recognize bullying, stand up safely, and report incidents. - Utilize resources from the **Pacer Center’s National Bullying Prevention Center**: - Website: [https://www.pacer.org/bullying](https://www.pacer.org/bullying) - **Monitor Online Activity:** - Use parental controls and regularly discuss online safety with your children. --- ### **Additional Support:** - **Local Community Centers and Advocacy Groups:** - Many local organizations in Iowa provide workshops, peer support, and counseling services. - **Faith-Based Organizations:** - Many Iowa churches, mosques, and synagogues offer community support for bullying victims. --- If you’d like help finding local resources or advice tailored to your situation, feel free to share more details.