Cyberbullying Laws Raise Free Speech Questions

Chad_DeVoss writes "States across the country are working on laws to rein in cyberbullying, claiming that electronic harassment has led even to the suicides of some children. But what about the First Amendment? Surely schools can't control what kids say to one another? It's an easy argument to make, but the reality is more complicated. From the article: 'The issue is further complicated by questions about whether cyberbullying takes place on school property or not. School officials do not generally have control over what students do outside of school, but, as the First Amendment Center reports, even this issue is complicated. Students who threaten or harass other students using school equipment or during school time can most likely be sanctioned, but even students who do such things from home face the possibility of school discipline under the 'substantial disruption of the educational environment' ruling from the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District case from 1969.'"

Re:Not for the courts

[tomstdenis]

Since when do you need a cell phone? And why do you have to give out your number?

Seems if kids just want to avoid needless distractions they shouldn't be carrying pagers, beepers, cellphones and talking on phpbb boards during school. And besides, kids are assholes. It's what they do. Just realize that the "popular" bullies usually end up serving you subway when you're finished your degree.

AND YES, I WANT IT TOASTED!!!

Tom

Re:School Censorship

[PhxBlue]

A punk zine for a school that was often folded 8 1/2 x 11 pages stapled together ...

That's pretty impressive. I don't think I ever got my school folded down smaller than poster size.

Re:School Censorship

[Sobrique]

No no, clearly it's an ironic commentary on the prevailing social culture.