On July 8, 2011, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law AB 746 (Campos), which specifically expands current California law regarding bullying to include cyberbullying on social media websites.
Existing law defines bullying as one or more acts of sexual harassment, hate violence, or intentional harassment, threats or intimidation, directed against school district personnel or students, committed by a student or group of students. Current law also provides that bullying, including bullying committed by means of an electronic act, is grounds for suspension or expulsion.
AB 746 specifically defines "electronic act" to include a post on a social network Internet Web site. Clearly, posts on social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are now contained in the definition of bullying under California law.
This clarification to existing law emphasizes the importance of providing a safe learning environment for all students. It is important for school districts to review their policies to ensure that their definition of bullying reflects the most recent changes to the law.
A link to the chaptered bill can be found at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0701-0750/ab_746_bill_20110708_chaptered.pdf
Meghan Covert Russell
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