AB 1732, which was chaptered on July 23, 2012, clarifies existing law related to disciplining a student for cyberbullying. Current law (Education Code 48900) outlines the requirements for suspending or expelling students, including discipline for bullying. Bullying is defined as "any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, which includes, among other tings, a post on a social network Internet Web site, and including one or more acts, as specified, committed by a pupil or group of pupils, directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have one or more specified effects." AB 1732 identifies specific conduct that constitutes "a post on a social network Internet Web site," including creating a credible impersonation of a student and/or creating a false profile online (also known as a "burn page"). AB 1732 also notes that an electronic act does not become "pervasive conduct" merely on the basis that it has been transmitted or posted on the Internet.
For the entire text of AB 1732 click here.
Meghan Covert Russell
Showing posts with label Cyberbullying Law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cyberbullying Law. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
One Quarter of Teens are Bullied
A recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that approximately 25% of high school students were victims of bullying during the 2008-2009 school year. The report also notes that 7% of students were victims of cyberbullying, and about 15% of those students who were cyberbullied later got into a physical fight as a result of the bullying.
Bullying remains a growing problem for teachers and school administrators, who are forced not only to deal with traditional bullying on the playground or in school hallways, but also with the changing face of the bully through technology such as social media and text messaging.
For more information, see the recent US News and World Reports article here.
Meghan Covert Russell
Bullying remains a growing problem for teachers and school administrators, who are forced not only to deal with traditional bullying on the playground or in school hallways, but also with the changing face of the bully through technology such as social media and text messaging.
For more information, see the recent US News and World Reports article here.
Meghan Covert Russell
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Cyberbullying Law to Include Social Media
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
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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