Monday, May 17, 2010
COLUMBUS — Schools could punish students who send harassing text messages to other students while off school grounds under legislation being proposed by state lawmakers.
The legislation also would require districts to provide cyberbullying training to teachers, staff and volunteers.
“While cyberbullying usually takes place outside of school, it disrupts the educational environment and student performance severely,” said Rep. Marian Harris, a Democrat from Columbus. “Victims can’t focus on studies, they miss school, they fail to take advantage of educational or extracurricular opportunities or they drop out of school.
Harris and Rep. Nancy Garland, another Democratic lawmaker from the Columbus area, plan to introduce the legislation in the Ohio House this week. Sen. Teresa Fedor, a Democrat from Toledo, has introduced comparable legislation in the Ohio Senate.
For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com