NYS school cyberbullying bill proposed

Students in New York will learn the potentially deadly hazards of cyberbullying, and school officials will be mandated to respond to the earliest reports of it, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and legislative leaders, who agreed Saturday to a bill on the subject.

The bill defines cyberbullying as harassment, insults, taunting and threats through social media.

The bill won't, however, include a criminal charge that a senator had insisted last week is essential to curbing the rising harassment blamed on a string of teen suicides.

The bill will require schools to designate an official responsible for prompt action on any reports of cyberbullying, according to the governor's bill released Saturday. The bill also requires schools to coordinate with police "when appropriate" and develop a strategy for dealing with cyberbullying.

All present and future school officials would also be trained to detect and act on instances of cyberbullying.

A Lake Grove teenager who suffered years of abuse at the hands of classmates said the bill can be a deterrent -- if parents and school officials stay vigilant.

"Cyberbullying is not a joke," said Jamie Isaacs, 16. "It's killing the kids of our generation."

Isaacs, who wrote a book about her experiences called "In Jamie's Words," said her problems started in second grade with one girl, but over the years escalated into an "I hate Jamie" club that sent out taunting emails -- even death threats. She had to transfer from the Sachem school district to a private school.

"Preventing cyberbullying and other forms of harassment and discrimination is a top priority that is at the center of improving school performance and the guiding the personal growth of our children," Cuomo said.

David Kilmnick, of Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, said lawmakers still need to ensure that school officials are provided the necessary funding to implement anti-bullying education, training and enforcement programs.

The measure is expected to be voted on this week by the full legislature.

With Robert Brodsky