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A recent survey conducted across all 50 states has revealed a significant bullying problem in New Jersey. The comprehensive study, carried out by the financial website WalletHub, examined various factors including the number of physical fights, bullying rates, and truancy costs for schools across the nation.
The survey took into account both in-person and online bullying incidents. While California emerged as the overall leader in the study, New Jersey found itself among the top five states.
The Garden State’s high ranking is not just a result of general bullying rates. The study also discovered that New Jersey ranks fifth in the percentage of high school students who become involved in fights after school. This specific metric underscores the severity of the situation and highlights the need for effective anti-bullying measures.
New Jersey passed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act in 2011 and is soliciting feedback from residents regarding its effectiveness in schools through mid-November.