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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2010 > May > 17
Monday, May 17, 2010
Lawmakers target “cyberbullying” in Ohio schools
Two Democratic House members on Monday, May 17, unveiled legislation aimed at giving local school districts the authority to crack down on “cyberbullying”, even when it occurs off school property.
The legislation backed by Reps. Marian Harris of Columbus and Nancy Garland of New Albany is pattered after Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Sen. Teresa Fedor, D-Toledo.
Because Democrats control the House, the bill could have a better chance of advancing there than in the Republican-controlled Senate.
The legislation would allow schools to discipline students who use text messaging, emails, cell phones or other interactive technologies and devices to harass, threaten or intimidate classmates. Schools already must have policies in place against bullying in general, the lawmakers said.
The bill also would also require school to provide anti-cyber bullying training to employees and volunteers.
“It’s the changing world that we live in,” Garland said, explaining the need for the legislation.
She and Harris said that courts have held that schools can impose discipline for off-campus misconduct if the behavior negatively affects the schools’ educational environment.
Damon Asbury, director of legislative services for the Ohio School Boards Association, said his group has not taken a position on the legislation but that many districts already have policies in place to address cyber bullying.
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