Below is our growing list of important resources.
North America
United States
Cyberbullying Research Center. (n.d.). Cyberbullying research center. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://cyberbullying.org
The website provides a comprehensive list of cyberbullying legislation. Under the “Law” link, a list of states is provided. Legislation for each state is available by clicking on the name of the state. Each state provides a summary of legislative acts and laws that combat against cyberbullying, as well as links that lead to the actual bill or act of legislation.
Cyberbullying. (n.d.). Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.pacer.org/bullying/info/cyberbullying
The site is a comprehensive website that allows the user to browse through various topics based on bullying and cyberbullying. It provides a definition on -cyberbullying and tips for educators and parents on how to prevent cyberbullying.
California
California Department of Education. (n.d.). Bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Retrieved
March 10, 2025, from https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/bullying.asp
This webpage from the California Department of Education (CDE) provides comprehensive resources related to bullying and cyberbullying prevention in California schools. It outlines the state’s laws, policies, and strategies to address both traditional and online bullying in educational settings. The site includes information about California’s Anti-Bullying laws, which require schools to have clear policies on bullying and to implement prevention programs. Additionally, the page offers links to resources for educators, parents, and students, including tips for recognizing and addressing cyberbullying, as well as available training and support materials.
Florida
Florida Department of Education. (n.d.). Florida’s bullying and harassment laws. Retrieved
March 10, 2025, from https://www.fldoe.org
The Florida Department of Education’s search page provides access to various resources related to cyberbullying, offering detailed information about the state’s efforts to address bullying in schools, including online harassment. The website compiles legislative documents, policies, and educational resources that aim to prevent and respond to cyberbullying in Florida’s K-12 schools.
Illinois
Public Act 095-0869. (n.d.). Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=095-0869
The legislation aims to protect students from inappropriate or illegal online communications and solicitations. Public Act 095-0869, enacted by the Illinois General Assembly, mandates that all Illinois school districts must incorporate an Internet safety component into their curricula for students in grade 3 and above. The Act recommends that the Internet safety curriculum address topics such as safe and responsible use of social networking websites, chat rooms, electronic mail, bulletin boards, instant messaging, and other means of online communication The Illinois State Board of Education has provided guidance and resources to assist school districts in implementing this mandate
Michigan
Cyberbullying. (n.d.). OK2SAY. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from
The Michigan OK2SAY program’s cyberbullying page defines cyberbullying as using electronic devices to deliberately harass or upset someone. It highlights the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying among students and offers guidance on recognizing, preventing, and addressing such behavior.
MCL – Section 750.411x. (n.d.). Michigan Legislature. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-750-411X
Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 750.411x addresses the prohibition of cyberbullying within the state. This law underscores Michigan’s commitment to addressing and penalizing cyberbullying activities within its jurisdiction.
New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Education. (n.d.). Anti-bullying bill of rights and cyberbullying in
New Jersey. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/sandp/hib
The New Jersey Department of Education’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) webpage provides information and resources related to the state’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABR). The ABR aims to prevent and address bullying in New Jersey’s public schools by defining HIB, outlining reporting procedures, and establishing school responsibilities. The webpage offers access to the full text of the ABR, guidance documents, and additional resources to support schools, students, and parents in creating safe and positive learning environments.
New York
New York State Education Department. (n.d.). Cyberbullying and harassment prevention in New
York State schools. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from http://www.nysed.gov/edtech/internet-safety-and-cyberbullying
The New York State Education Department’s “Internet Safety and Cyberbullying” webpage emphasizes the collaborative role of schools and families in teaching children to use technology safely and respectfully. It highlights key laws protecting students online, including:
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): Requires schools to protect students’ privacy and safety online.
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA): Mandates that schools block or filter inappropriate internet content on school computers.
Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act): Prohibits discrimination or harassment, including cyberbullying, and requires instruction in the safe, responsible use of the internet and electronic communications.
The page also provides resources to assist families in discussing internet safety and cyberbullying with their children.
Ohio
Section 3313.666 District policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying required.
(n.d.). Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.666.
This statute underscores Ohio’s commitment to fostering a safe and respectful educational environment by addressing and mitigating bullying behaviors. Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.666 mandates that all public school districts in Ohio develop and implement policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. These policies must encompass behaviors occurring on school property, school buses, and at school-sponsored events, including those conducted electronically.
Additionally, the law requires that these policies be developed in consultation with parents, school employees, volunteers, students, and community members
Pennsylvania
2015 act 26. (n.d.). Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2015&sessInd=0&act=26
Pennsylvania’s Act 26 of 2015 address the issue of cyber harassment of children.
Under this act, cyber harassment of a child is classified as a third-degree misdemeanor. However, first-time offenders may be referred to a diversionary program, which could include an educational program on cyber harassment, instead of facing traditional criminal penalties. This approach aims to educate offenders about the consequences of their actions and reduce recidivism. Act 26 underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting children from online harassment and adapting legal frameworks to address challenges posed by digital communications.
Virginia
Model policy to address bullying in Virginia’s Public Schools. (2013, October). Virginia
Department of Education. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/32839/638047296825300000
The Virginia Department of Education’s “Model Policy to Address Bullying in Virginia’s Public Schools” provides guidance for local school boards to develop and implement effective bullying prevention and intervention strategies. This model policy outlines procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to bullying incidents, aiming to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Texas
- Texas bullying laws. (n.d.). Texas School Safety Center. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://txssc.txstate.edu/videos/bullying-and-the-law
- The Texas School Safety Center’s “Texas Bullying Laws” video provides an overview of Senate Bill 179, known as “David’s Law. This legislation addresses harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying of public school students, charter school students, or minors, and encourages certain mental health programs for public school students. The law increases criminal penalties and provides civil remedies related to these offenses. The video and accompanying resources aim to enhance understanding and implementation of anti-bullying measures in Texas educational institutions.
- TexasLawHelp.org
- TexasSchoolSafetyCenter.org
- David’s Legacy Foundation
Canada
Cyberbullying: What it is & ways to address it. (n.d.). Kids Help Phone. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/cyberbullying-what-it-is-ways-to-address-it
Kids Help Phone’s webpage “Cyberbullying: What it is & ways to address it” defines cyberbullying as the use of technology to deliberately harm or harass someone. The article offers strategies for addressing cyberbullying, including Direct Communication, Report Content, and Seek Support. The webpage emphasizes the importance of taking action to address cyberbullying and provides guidance on how to do so effectively.
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Cyberbullying and online harassment: How to protect
yourself. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/cyberbullying/cyberbullying-against-law.html
. This resource underscores the importance of understanding the legal consequences associated with cyberbullying and promotes awareness to deter such harmful behaviors. “Legal consequences of cyberbullying” webpage outlines the serious legal ramifications of engaging in cyberbullying, emphasizing that such actions can lead to criminal charges under Canada’s Criminal Code. Potential offenses include sharing intimate images without consent, criminal harassment, uttering threats, intimidation, identity theft, and extortion. Convictions may result in penalties such as imprisonment for up to five years, confiscation of devices used in the offense, and restitution orders requiring offenders to cover costs incurred by victims to remove intimate images from the internet
Info Sheet: Cyberbullying [Fact sheet]. (2022, July 22). Public Safety Canada. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/2015-r038/index-en.aspx
Public Safety Canada’s “Info Sheet: Cyberbullying” provides a comprehensive overview of cyberbullying, distinguishing it from traditional bullying. The document outlines various forms of cyberbullying, including teasing, exclusion, rumor-spreading, flaming, online harassment, cyberstalking, cyber-smearing, impersonation, rating individuals on certain aspects, and creating derogatory websites targeting victims. The info sheet emphasizes the importance of developing appropriate interventions to address the unique challenges posed by cyberbullying.
Mexico
Coming soon
Central America
Costa Rica
MacKinnon, J. (2016, September 16). New law being issued to protect costa rican children. The Costa Rica News. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://thecostaricanews.com/new-law-to-protect-kids-from-bullying
In 2016, Costa Rica enacted the “Law to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Student Harassment” to combat bullying in schools. This legislation mandates that educational authorities address bullying incidents and establishes penalties for negligence in handling reported cases. The law aims to reduce bullying and protect students from physical, emotional, and social harm.
South America
Brazil
SaferNet Brasil. (n.d.). I am facing a cyberbullying problem. Should I report it? Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.safernet.org.br/content/estou-enfrentando-um-problema-de-cyberbullying-devo-denunciar
The SaferNet Brasil page entitled “I am facing a cyberbullying problem. Should I report it?” offers guidance on how to act in cyberbullying situations. The text emphasizes the importance of not fighting back, seeking help and not blaming yourself, in addition to highlighting that cyberbullying can be reported and punished if there is an infraction, such as physical or moral aggression. It is recommended to inform parents or trusted guardians to assist in solving the problem.
Cavalier Simonato, A. M. (n.d.). Law 14.811/24 criminalizes bullying and cyberbullying, amends the penal code, the statute of the child and adolescent and the law of heinous crimes.
Jusbrasil. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.jusbrasil.com.br/artigos/lei-14811-24-criminaliza-o-bullying-e-o-cyberbullying-altera-o-codigo-penal-o-estatuto- da-crianca-e-d o-adolescente-e-a-lei-de-crimes-hediondos/2138546231?msockid=1719517aaf95668b2de543a3ae07676e
The Jusbrasil webpage discusses Brazil’s enactment of Law 14.811 on January 15, 2024, which criminalizes bullying and cyberbullying. This legislation introduces Article 146-A to the Penal Code, defining systematic intimidation—whether physical or psychological, individual or collective—as a punishable offense. Notably, cyberbullying conducted through digital devices carries a more severe penalty of two to four years of imprisonment and a fine. Additionally, the law amends the Statute of the Child and Adolescent and the Law of Heinous Crimes to enhance protections for minors, underscoring Brazil’s commitment to combating violence against children and adolescents.
Europe
United Kingdom
Online harassment and cyber bullying. (n.d.). House of Commons Library. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7967
The House of Commons Library’s research briefing titled “Online harassment and cyber bullying” provides an in-depth analysis of the legal framework addressing online harassment and cyberbullying in the UK, with a primary focus on England and Wales, while also touching upon Scotland and Northern Ireland. It emphasizes that existing laws, such as those against stalking, harassment, sending malicious communications, and improper use of public electronic communications networks, apply to online behaviors.
Ireland
Italy
Oceania
Coming Soon
Asia
Africa
Coming Soon
Video Resources
We will continue to share videos that provide an insight to what cyberbullying is, the consequences, and other important information on cyberbullying research.
Resources for Parents
Signs Your Child May Be a Victim of Cyberbullying:
- Avoids or engages excessively in using the computer, cell phone, and other technological devices
- Appears stressed when receiving an e-mail, instant message, or text
- Withdraws from family and friends or acts reluctant to attend school and social events
- Avoids conversations about the use of electronics
- Exhibits signs of low self-esteem including depression or fear
- Declining grades
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
In order to combat cyberbullying, it’s important that you communicate with your child about ways to prevent it from reoccurring.
- If you see someone being bullied online, report it to a school authority immediately – refrain from liking or sharing it
- Avoid posting too much information about yourself or others online
- Don’t communicate with people who you don’t know
Use these discussion starters to get an Internet safety conversation going with your children.
Ask children:
- Ever been upset with someone online? How did you deal with it?
- Has someone ever sent you a mean message online? How did it make you feel?
- If you knew someone was being cyberbullied, what would you do?
- Do you know where to report cyberbullying on the websites and apps you use? Who would you talk to at school?
