Bullying: Redefined
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Bullying: Redefined

Date: January 30, 2008
By: Erika Navarrete
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 762

Intro: The suicide of a St. Charles teen has influenced a bill that would modify anti-bullying policies enacted in school districts. 

Erika Navarrete (Nahv-ah-rett) has more from the state capitol.

RunTime:0:23
OutCue: SOC

The issue came before the Senate Education Committee to expand the laws on bullying.

The bill would classify cyberbullying and electronic communication such as emailing and text messages as a harassment crime.

The bill sponsor, Kansas City Democratic Senator Yvonne Wilson cited the tragic incident in St. Charles created nationwide awareness.   

Actuality:  CYBER2.WAV
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Description: "It became knowledgeable across the country that really raised the issue in the minds of the public about how serious bullying can be."

Wilson also said the purpose of the bill was to protect young people from the risks of bullying.  

No one testified in opposition of the bill.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Erika Navarrete.

 

Intro: Missouri legislative committee prompted by the suicide of a St. Charles teen would change the way school districts define bullying.

Erika Navarrete (Nahv-ah-rett) has more from the state capitol.

RunTime:0:22
OutCue: SOC

The bill would file cyberbullying and other electronic communication such as emailing and text messaging, under the anti-bullying policies carried out by school districts.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Kansas City Senator, Yvonne Wilson, said her purpose for the bill was to protect youth from the dangers of bullying:
Actuality:  CYBER1.WAV
Run Time: 00:08
Description: "Bullying is, is really a serious problem to the extent that it is causing young people to commit suicide."


A similar bill by Republican Senator Scott Rupp would classify cyberbullying as a crime under harassment.

The committee took no immediate action and no one testified in opposition.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Erika Navarrete.