Tennessee law makes penalty for bullying same as harassment | Education | #childpredator | #kidsaftey | #childsaftey

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A new law in Tennessee makes the penalty for bullying or cyberbullying the same as harassment. 

House Bill 2590 was signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on April 23. The law will go into affect July 1 across the state. The bill defines bullying as “an act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance; and if the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, it is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process; or if the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop.” 

That could include harming or damaging a student’s property, knowingly placing a student in reasonable fear or physical harm, causing emotional distress or creating a hostile educational environment. The law requires an officer to make an official report if they know a minor has been the victim of bullying or cyber-bullying and to notify the child’s parent or legal guardian.  

Students in the Memphis-Shelby County School District can report bullying by clicking this link or by texting 274637 and using the code “SCS.” 

Prior to being signed by Governor Lee, the bill unanimously passed both the Tennessee House and Senate.