Georgia anti-bullying laws include the following definitions of bullying and cyberbullying:
\nThe term \"bullying\" means an act that is:
\n(1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;
\n(2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or
\n(3) Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:
\n(A) Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of Code Section 16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as such term is defined in Code Section 16-5-23.1;
\n(B) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education;
\n(C) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
\n(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
\nThe term applies to acts which occur on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system. The term also applies to acts of cyberbullying which occur through the use of electronic communication, whether or not such electronic act originated on school property or with school equipment, if the electronic communication (1) is directed specifically at students or school personnel, (2) is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, and (3) creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students' or school personnel's person or property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
\nElectronic communication includes but is not limited to any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system.
\nO.C.G.A. \u00a7 20-2-751.4 (2016)
\nYes. Georgia anti-bullying laws cover cyberbullying that occurs off-campus if the electronic communication (1) is directed specifically at students or school personnel, (2) is maliciously intended for the purpose of threatening the safety of those specified or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school, and (3) creates a reasonable fear of harm to the students' or school personnel\u2019s person or property or has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose.
\nGeorgia school districts must adopt a policy that prohibits bullying of a student by another student. School district policies must contain key policy and procedural elements, including, but not limited to:
\nGeorgia school districts may additionally adopt components of the state model bullying policy, including statements prohibiting bullying and retaliation following a bullying report, reporting and investigation procedures, and consequences for bullying, including disciplinary actions or counseling, as appropriate. Georgia school districts that are not in compliance with the required components of the bullying policy are ineligible for state funding.
\nNo. There are no specific groups listed under Georgia anti-bullying laws or regulations.
\nGeorgia schools that receive federal funding are required by federal law to address discrimination on a number of different personal characteristics. Find out when bullying may be a civil rights violation.
\nYes. Georgia school districts must implement comprehensive character education programs for all grade levels that address methods of discouraging bullying.
\nNo. Georgia anti-bullying laws do not require districts to provide training to teachers or other school staff on how to prevent or respond to bullying incidents. Georgia anti-bullying laws do require the Department of Education to develop and post on its website information regarding anti-bullying training programs and materials for use in local school systems.
\nNo. Georgia anti-bullying laws do not require districts to provide safeguards or mental health supports for students involved with bullying.
\nYes. Georgia school districts must establish a method for notifying parents or legal guardians when a student has committed an offense of bullying or is a victim of bullying.
\nVisit the Georgia Department of Education\u2019s \u201cBullying Prevention Toolkit\u201d webpage.
\nThe key component framework used in the analysis of state laws is based on the review of legislation presented in the \u201cAnalysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies \u2013 December 2011\u201d (U.S. Department of Education).
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Content last updated on June 21, 2017
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