NEW: Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Fight Cyberbullying
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
It’s not just lunch money holdups anymore.
Bullying, like most other things in this world, has found its way onto the Internet—and Rhode Island is just one of many states looking to curb this development through legal measures.
Earlier today, members of a special Senate commission to study the problems of cyberbullying outlined the “Safe Schools Act,” a piece of legislation that has been developed as a result of the panel’s year-long study.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn general terms, cyberbullying is simply the use of social networking sites, e-mail, and text messages to deliberately and repeatedly harass or harm others.
Senator: Online harassment can have deadly consequences
“Online harassment can spill over into other kinds of harassment, with deadly consequences, as we have all seen with too much frequency,” said Senator John Tassoni (D-Dist. 22), who chaired the study commission.
The proposed “Safe Schools Act,” would direct the Department of Education to provide a comprehensive, statewide policy geared towards bullying prevention. The policy would include clear procedures for students, staff, and parents to report bullying; procedures for responding to reports of bullying; and a range of appropriate disciplinary actions that may be taken against a perpetrator. Furthermore, the bill would require that by January 1, 2012, all school district policies relating to bullying be amended to include cyberspace.
Rep Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74), another commission member introducing the bill, spoke to the importance of passing the new legislation in a timely manner: “Social media and technology have changed the landscape of bullying. It’s no longer something that happens just as school. We need one statewide Policy and that’s what the Safe Schools Act creates,” Ruggiero said.
Education Commissioner Deborah Gist also spoke out in support of the bill. “Academic achievement and school safety are closely linked. Students need a safe and supportive learning environment in order to prepare for success,” Gist said.
Following today’s news conference, the commission planned to meet and discuss its final report. When finalized, the report will be available on the General Assembly Web site, and on the commission’s own webpage, www.StopBullyingRI.com.
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