Missouri enacts cyberbullying law
Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has signed a bill prohibiting cyberbullying. The bill revises the state’s harassment laws by eliminating the requirement that the communication be written or over the telephone. Supporters say the bill now covers harassment from computers, text messages and other electronic devices. “Social networking sites and technology have opened a new door for criminals and bullies to prey on their victims, especially children,” Gov. Blunt said. “This new law will ensure that we have the protections and penalties needed to safeguard Missourians from Internet harassment.” The Missouri measure also requires school officials to tell police about harassment and stalking on school grounds and expands state laws against stalking to cover “credible threats” not only against the victim, but also family and household members and animals. It also creates stronger penalties for stalking.
Source: Associated Press, 6/30/08, By Jim Salter
[Editor’s Note: The impetus for the Missouri law was the suicide of a 13-year-old girl who was the victim of an Internet hoax. For information on other efforts, see below.]
NSBA School Law pages on cyberbullying laws