In cyberspace, bullies don’t even have to be present to torment their victims. In some cases, cyberbullying has even led to suicide. Justin Patchin with the Cyberbullying Research Center says students have the right to learn in a safe environment and California’s new law gives school officials the authority to take action.
"Cyberbullying is the kind of thing, as people know, that crosses from the school into the home, into the community, and so it really necessitates a coordinated kind of response by all parties involved."
~ Justin Patchin, Cyberbullying Research Center
Most school anti-bullying rules are based on traditional bullying like physical and verbal abuse, where victim and tormentor are both present.
The new law covers anything a student can do on-line no matter where they are. California is one of 12 states to have passed similar laws.
View a video of Patchin summarizing cyber bullying.
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