State hiring army of social workers to fight school bullying

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A sweeping statewide initiative to curb bullying in Nevada schools has crossed a major milestone after the Clark County School District, the state's largest, filled all of its more than 100 new social worker positions.

Officials said the new staff members have so far led workshops on how to identify unhealthy relationships, taught anger management techniques and helped students who are returning to school after time in a mental health institution.

Gov. Brian Sandoval spearheaded an initiative last year to improve the social climate in schools after meeting with the families of three middle school students who suffered severe bullying, including a 13-year-old girl who took her own life.

Schools deemed to have the unhealthiest climate, as judged by student surveys, get top priority in landing social workers, and one to four have been placed at each eligible campus.

Other elements in the Legislature's anti-bullying effort include a new law that holds school employees responsible if they fail to act on bullying, and requires them to notify parents and begin an investigation within two days of receiving a report of bullying.