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Inconsistencies across the States: An Examination of Anti-Bullying Laws

Legal Frontiers in Education: Complex Law Issues for Leaders, Policymakers and Policy Implementers

ISBN: 978-1-78560-577-2, eISBN: 978-1-78560-576-5

Publication date: 12 November 2015

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to examine selected state laws regarding cyberbullying. The advances in technology have allowed bullying to take an online form, where bullies can remain anonymous and access their targets 24 hours a day. The online bullying has left school leaders in a legal dilemma as to how and when to address an incident that occurs off school grounds. The laws which guide school leaders are found at the state level. The major inconsistencies between state laws are illustrated in this chapter. The findings in recent research reveal that some state bullying laws define specific terms such as electronic communication, and intimidation, and harassment. Some state laws provide a detailed protocol for how teachers and administrators should report and handle online bullying that has an impact on the school environment. However, some states leave developing a protocol up to individual school districts. The varying school cyberbullying laws and policies mean that leaders across the United States do not have a unified way to handle issues originating off-campus. However, school leaders should have a comprehensive policy which helps to address cyberbullying issues. This chapter includes a critical examination of current laws in the states and a review of proposed federal statutes presently stalled in the U.S. Congress.

Citation

Vines, J. (2015), "Inconsistencies across the States: An Examination of Anti-Bullying Laws", Legal Frontiers in Education: Complex Law Issues for Leaders, Policymakers and Policy Implementers (Advances in Educational Administration, Vol. 24), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-366020150000024027

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015 Emerald Group Publishing Limited