Outline of the state of Tennessee
State
Tennessee
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.

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