Cyberbullying: Nevada Schools Enforce New Cyberbullying Law

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, about half of Nevada students have been victims of cyberbullying.  As of July 1^st, students caught trying to “harm, threaten or cause emotional distress to other students, teachers, or school employees” can be charged with misdemeanor offenses that may include jail time.  The law, however, actually makes schools do most of the enforcement through various forms of discipline, including suspension.  The law also says that teachers must instruct students about why cyberbullying is harmful.

State Senator Barbara Cegavske (R-Las Vegas) said that cyberbullying doesn’t just stop at students either.  Students have taken photographs of teachers using their cell phones, and then modified them to make them appear nude, even emailing the photos to classmates via the Internet. 

Skeptics wonder, however, how much of an impact the schools can make on preventing cyberbullying since cell phones are not permitted on school grounds.  Quite simply, it’s really up to the parents and students to alert school officials of any problems.

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