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.'"

Comments

This is rediculous

[DJ Jones]

This kind of over protection of our children is getting out of control. I am convinced this is why the U.S. is falling behind in math and science. We shelter our kids from any possible mal treatment or "bullying" or OMG "letter grading systems" that could "traumatize" them for life. Let me tell you, someday these kids, maybe your kids, are going to grow up and they are going to have to know how to deal with mean people and real life situations.

Because in reality, life is tough. When these kids grow up they're not going to have their school board or the American court system to save them. They're going to have to learn how to survive in the real world, a globalized world that competes on a much higher level. A world where grown-up "bullies" exist as well and they're going to have to learn to deal with them.

I got my ass kicked as a freshman in high school, I got put in my place and I truly believe I am a better person today because of it.