State
Tennessee
Category
Bullying Policy—Definitions
Category
Bullying Policy—Definitions
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.
2017 Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-4502. Part definitions.
(a) As used in this part:
- (1) Cyber-bullying means bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices;
- (2) Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and web sites;
- (3) Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any act that substantially interferes with a student's educational benefits, opportunities or performance; and:
- (A) If the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop, the act has the effect of:
- (i) Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property;
- (ii) Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student's property;
- (iii) Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
- (iv) Creating a hostile educational environment; or
- (B) If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, it is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.
Policy Type
Statute
Source