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Most of the laws are aimed at school districts, requiring them to develop policies on cyber-bullying -- for example, how to train school staff members or discipline students. At least 13 states have passed such laws, including Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington. A handful of other states are considering similar measures.
This week, California becomes the latest state to tackle the issue. Starting today, California schools may suspend or expel students who commit cyber-bullying. The law also singles out such harassment as a subject to be addressed by school officials.
"This is part of a trend that is happening across the country, which is basically state legislatures telling the school districts that this is an issue they want them to address," said Nancy Willard, executive director of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use, an Oregon-based organization that provides research and outreach for parents, educators and policymakers on Internet safety. "The message is: Do something."
Though many schools throughout the nation have developed their own policies, some remain unsure how to handle cyber-bullying. It can be time-consuming and difficult to investigate, given the veil of anonymity the Web offers. Educators may not understand the technology that students are using.
Mitchell H. Rubinstein - Adjunct Law Prof Blog.
Posted January 5th, 2009 by Armen Hareyan
