Outline of the state of Pennsylvania
State
Pennsylvania
Addressed

Category
Bullying Policy—Definitions

Category
Bullying Policy—Definitions

State law defines prohibited behavior and may require districts to include bullying definitions in district anti-bullying policies.

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2709. Harassment

(a.1) Cyber harassment of a child.— (1) A person commits the crime of cyber harassment of a child if, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm, the person engages in a continuing course of conduct of making any of the following by electronic means directly to a child or by publication through an electronic social media service: (i) seriously disparaging statement or opinion about the child’s physical characteristics, sexuality, sexual activity or mental or physical health or condition; or (ii) threat to inflict harm. (2) (i) If a juvenile is charged with a violation of paragraph (1), the judicial authority with jurisdiction over the violation shall give first consideration to referring the juvenile charged with the violation to a diversionary program under Pa.R.J.C.P. No. 312 (relating to Informal Adjustment) or No. 370 (relating to Consent Decree). As part of the diversionary program, the judicial authority may order the juvenile to participate in an educational program which includes the legal and nonlegal consequences of cyber harassment. (ii) If the person successfully completes the diversionary program, the juvenile’s records of the charge of violating paragraph (1) shall be expunged as provided for under section 9123 (relating to juvenile records).

Policy Type
Statute

Pennsylvania Unconsolidated Statutes 1949 Act 14. Article XIII-A. Safe Schools. Section 1303.1-A. Policy Related to Bullying.

(e)  For purposes of this article, “bullying” shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts: (1)  directed at another student or students; (2)  which occurs in a school setting; (3)  that is severe, persistent or pervasive; and (4)  that has the effect of doing any of the following: (i)  substantially interfering with a student’s education; (ii)  creating a threatening environment; or (iii)  substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school;

Policy Type
Statute