VA SB234

Requires school boards to provide annual training on bullying prevention and intervention for students and parents, covering parental responsibilities, school policies, disciplinary consequences, and available resources for victims and witnesses

Mandates that principals request meetings with parents when a student shows a pattern of repeated bullying violations or commits a severe bullying incident, to review conduct standards and discuss additional interventions

Directs the Board of Education to develop standards for bullying policies that include clear escalating consequences for repeated or severe incidents, including suspension and expulsion when appropriate

Requires school boards to include procedures for mandatory counseling for students who engage in bullying to address behaviors and develop communication and conflict resolution skills

Expands protections for bullying victims and witnesses to include measures that empower them to stand up for themselves in appropriate and safe ways, while ensuring they are not deterred from reporting by fears of retaliation