Is the nationwide creation of bullying laws getting out of hand? Utah's Senate just passed SB304, which would require schools to have a bullying policy in place by 2012. The bill, titled "PREVENTING BULLYING AND HAZING IN ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS" defines bullying and situations that constitute "bullying." The bill states that bullying "means intentionally or knowingly committing an act that: [C] involves consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance[.]" Am I missing something here? What does bullying have to do with the consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances? Is the Utah legislature over-reaching a bit?
The statutory definition of cyberbullying "means using the Internet, a cell phone, or another device to send or post text, video, or an image with the intent or knowledge, or with reckless disregard, that the text, video, or image will hurt, embarrass, or threaten an individual, regardless of whether the individual directed, consented to, or acquiesced in the conduct, or voluntarily accessed the electronic communication." Does this mean someone overly sensitive will be found to have been a victim of cyberbullying because someone sent a text message that embarrassed them? I am all for punishing bullies when appropriate, but are legislatures going too far?
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First of all, I have absolutely no idea what the consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances has to do with bullying. I also question if legislatures are going too far. However, I like the fact that they are trying to come up with a solution. We all know that bullying has been going on for years, but has not been such a big issue, until recently. the largest issue I see with bullying is that it doesn't just end when school ends. Now victims go home and may still have to deal with the bullying, due to social networking websites and cell phones. Although legislatures may be overstepping their boundaries, I find comfort in the fact they are trying to come up with a solution.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. I am in favor of legislatures taking steps to remedy bully. I guess I am more concerned about finding the balance between fixing a serious problem and overreaching. You also make a good point stating that bullying doesn't end when school ends. Maybe this is where the school programs come in and educate the kids on things like "it will get better" or "people are mean, don't listen to what they're saying because they don't know what they're talking about" and so on.
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