State Sen. John Tassoni, D-Dist. 22, has introduced a resolution that would create a commission to study cyberbullying and cyberthreats among youths and adolescents. According to a press release, cyberbullying is defined as the use of electronic means - including cell phones and the Internet - to harass another individual.
The proposed commission would comprise nine members, including educators and school administrators, social workers and a chief of police. The goal of the commission would be to examine the issue from the perspective of educators and make recommendations as to how the issue can be addressed.
Current Rhode Island law does not mention cyberbullying, and most schools cannot punish students for harassment that takes place outside of school hours or off of school property.
