What good is passing laws against "bullying" if states aren't doing much to enforce them?

When a tragedy occurs, such as the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado 10 years ago, there is a natural desire to do "something" to prevent a similar occurrence.

That's good. But it's relatively meaningless if officials and the public think that just passing a law will make the problem go away.

Illinois is among 44 states with laws against bullying.

In Illinois, that amounts to requiring school districts to have a policy on bullying. The policy is supposed to be filed with the State Board of Education and updated every two years. Each year, schools are supposed to let students and their parents know what the policy is.

The law - 105 ILCS 5/2723.7 - doesn't say what the policy should include. Although instruction in bullying prevention is encouraged, the law doesn't require it.

Fortunately, many schools - and their students - take the matter seriously.

As noted in a Pantagraph article earlier this month ("Safer schools," Sept. 14, Page A1), Lincoln Community High School and Normal Community West High School have instituted Rachel's Challenge, a program aimed at limiting school violence begun in honor of a student killed in the Columbine incident.

That program notes the importance of follow-up activities, not relying on a single presentation in an auditorium to bring about permanent positive changes.

Bullying can take many forms, from teasing and social isolation to physical attacks and criminal acts.

It is important to recognize that bullying is not just "part of growing up." Rather, in extreme cases, it can prevent someone from growing up: This year alone, bullying was pointed to as a contributing factor in the suicides of one 10-year-old and two 11-year olds in Illinois.

When a victim reports a bully and nothing is done, that adds to the victim's feelings of powerlessness.

Bullying interferes with learning. A fearful student is unlikely to do well in school. They may miss school or even drop out.

Those who witness bullying can be harmed, too - either worrying that they might be the next target or engaging in bullying themselves as a sort of pre-emptive strike.

Studies have shown that bullies also are more likely to drop out of school and commit crimes, as their behavior interferes with their own education, socialization skills and ability to function in society.

Parents need to be aware of their children's behavior and listen to their fears.

Schools need to make it clear what behavior is unacceptable, enforce the rules and create an environment where victims and witnesses are comfortable coming forward.

And legislators have to stop pretending that just passing a law will solve every problem.