Bill > A02641

This bill establishes a legal framework to criminalize cyberbullying of minors by creating a new section in New York's education law that defines cyberbullying as an unclassified misdemeanor. The bill defines a "minor" as any person under 18 years old and allows for criminal prosecution of anyone who knowingly and repeatedly engages in cyberbullying, with potential penalties including a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The legislative intent section underscores the serious psychological harm caused by cyberbullying, noting that victims often experience depression, anxiety, social isolation, low self-esteem, and declining academic performance, and in extreme cases, may attempt or commit suicide. The bill aims to provide a legal tool to combat this growing problem, recognizing that bullying has evolved beyond traditional school-based interactions to become a broader societal issue facilitated by electronic communication technologies. By creating specific legal consequences for repeated cyberbullying, the legislation seeks to protect minors and deter potential perpetrators by establishing clear criminal penalties for such behavior.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2641