CYBERBULLYING
David's Law
Effective September 1, 2017, Senate Bill 179, commonly known as “David’s Law,” makes it a Class A misdemeanor and allows a temporary injunction against social media accounts used to electronically harass or cyberbully someone under age 18 through text message, social media, websites or other means with the intent of causing them to commit suicide or harm themselves.
The bill requires school districts to include cyberbullying in their district bullying policies, notify parents within 3 days if their child has been bullied, and notify the parents of the alleged provoker within a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, schools have the authority to investigate cyberbullying and to work with law enforcement on such investigations.
If a student believes they are a victim of cyberbullying/bullying or if a teacher or other school personnel have knowledge about an incident of cyberbullying/bullying, they should immediately report it to a campus administrator. Students and parents should also have access to an anonymous incident reporting.