A bill that would crack down on cyberbullying and broaden the ability of public schools to discipline “cyberbullies” is now headed to Governor Rick Scott’s desk for signature.
The measure, HB 609, which was passed unanimously in the House and Senate, requires school districts to adopt policies against cyberbullying, including online bullying. Current law prohibits bullying in schools, but does not cover electronic bullying.
“I am excited that this Cyberbullying bill passed the House and Senate. Bullying through electronic media is a growing issue among young adults and we have to empower the leadership in our schools to address this form of bullying,” said Representative Reggie Fullwood (D-Jacksonville) Fullwood, a co-sponsor of the bill.
“We have to protect students who are vulnerable, and much like physical bullying, cyberbullying can have a devastating impact on a child’s life,” said Fullwood.
