With a resounding, bipartisan 68–1 vote, the State Assembly has passed Assemblymember Cristina Garcia's (D-Bell Gardens) bill dealing with student bullying, on and off of the school campus.
Current law defines bullying as harassment or threats that are used to intimidate students, disrupt the classroom, invade the right of the students and create a hostile educational environment.
Students in grades 4-12 who engage in such behavior can be suspended or expelled, if the bullying occurs while traveling to and from school, on campus during school hours or during or traveling to a school sponsored activity.
AB 256 updates the law to add cyber-bullying, where offending students use computers, smartphones and social media to perpetuate harassing and threatening behavior away from the school campus.
“Our anti-bullying laws were written at a time well before the electronic age that we live in today,” Garcia said in describing the need for her legislation Garcia. “Bullying is unacceptable behavior that should not be tolerated in any way, shape or form, including harassment and humiliation through electronic communications.”
When presenting her bill on the Assembly floor, Assemblymember Garcia spoke of her time as a classroom teacher and what she has experienced.
“Cyber-bullying is unique in that it deteriorates the trust between the students and the teacher. Students expect teachers to quickly intervene on their behalf, but our hands are tied,” she said. “Instead of being engaged about the day’s lesson, students are worried about what's being posted about them or preoccupied they might be the next victim online.”
As the bill now moves to the Senate for approval, Assemblymember Garcia stated that she is gratified that such an important state and national issue –cyber-bullying and the safety of our school children- was recognized and acted on by an overwhelming margin, with support by both her Democratic and Republican colleagues.
“I think it is a good sign for the people of our state when Legislators can come together on an issue to make the lives of our children better.”
“If we can save one child and one family from the pain caused by bullying, then we are doing the right thing.” she concluded.
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