Signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases protections and support against cyberbullying outside of school and amends previous legislation to separate the definitions for bullying and cyberbullying in Virginia.

Highlights:

• Increases protections and support against cyberbullying outside of school (Sec. 1).

• Amends previous legislation to separate the definitions for bullying and cyberbullying and specifies cyberbullying uses a technology device connected to the internet (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Board of Education to develop model policies to address cyberbullying, for local school boards to follow and implement even outside of school, but within a school division (Sec. 1).

• Requires that students who are victims of cyberbullying would be provided protections by the school to ensure they are safe to report incidents without fear of retaliation (Sec. 1).

• Requires that students who report cyberbullying to the school will be provided a list of mental health resources and information for any available support services available (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisons of this bill shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text