Outline of the state of Tennessee
State
Tennessee
Addressed

Category
Bullying Policy—Scope

Category
Bullying Policy—Scope

State law defines the scope of where the anti-bullying policy applies.

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