Tagged: cyber-bullying

A cyber-bullying awareness and reporting bill is close to final approval, according to the New York State legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The bill works to define cyber-bullying, referring to it as harassment, insults, taunting and threats that are delivered through social media. A requirement will mandate that schools increase their awareness and improve handling of such cases.

No criminal charge will be outlined in the bill.

Several local members of the state delegation are pushing for swift passage of the cyber-bullying law currently pending in Albany. 

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer says the bill came about after bullying victim Jamie Rodemeyer, a Williamsville teenager, committed suicide last September. 

Ranzenhofer says the issue pervades the entire state and he is challenging Governor Cuomo to "get on board."   The Amherst Republican says the updated bill defines the law and aids police how to handle alleged cases of cyber-bullying.