Dive Summary:
- Under new state legislation, New York schools can discipline students for online harassment or intimidation.
- A bullying law passed in 2010 was amended in July to add bullying via any form of electronic communication if it creates "a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment.”
- The law says school employees who witness or hear of bullying or discrimination must report it; the school must then take action.
From the article:
... Principals say they have been looking into issues resulting from cellphones and posts on Facebook, Twitter and other social media for some time, because their effect often spills over into school. “Often Monday morning is the cleanup and the aftermath of what went down in cyberworld over the weekend,” said Lisa Krueger, assistant superintendent for curriculum and pupil services for Orchard Park Central Schools. ...
