Cyber-bullying

(CCEA Express, September 2009)

The 2009 Nevada Legislature addressed cyber-bullying, amongst other issues, and codified it in Chapter 382 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.  Cyber-bullying is defined as harassment or intimidation through the use of electronic communication.  Electronic communication is defined as communication of any written, verbal, or pictorial information through the use of an electronic device, such as a telephone, cellular phone, or computer.  NRS 388.121.

The Nevada Legislature declared that cyber-bullying seriously interferes with the ability of teachers to teach in the classroom and the ability of pupils to learn.

This new legislation enhances the school district’s ability to address student discipline for actions that may occur outside the school day, outside the school campus, yet impact the school setting.  NRS 388.135 further provides that principals, teachers, pupils, etc., are prohibited from engaging in cyber-bullying on school premises or school-sponsored activities.  NRS 392.315 prohibits a person from using cyber-bullying to threaten or cause bodily harm or death to a pupil or employee of the school district.  A person can be charged with a misdemeanor for doing so.  A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine.  Furthermore, if the threat causes any pupil or employee of a school district who is the subject of the threat to be intimidated, harassed, frightened, alarmed, distressed, to panic, cause civil unrest, or interfere with the operation of a public school, the person committing the cyber-bullying can be charged with a gross misdemeanor.  A gross misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to $2,000 fine.

The school district must adopt a policy on this legislation that covers cyber-bullying.  One has not been enacted yet.  Visit www.ccsd.net to research school district policies and regulations.  Cyber-bullying is a growing trend so it is good to know your rights.  If you feel that you are a victim of cyber-bullying notify your principal.  If no action takes place, call CCEA (702-733-3063) and ask to speak with your UniServ Director or e-mail us at UniServ@ccea-nv.org.