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More Harm Than Good? Why Schools Who Take A Zero-Tolerance Stance On Cyberbullying Cause More Problems Than Solutions, Sydney L. Brunecz

Journal of Law, Technology, & the Internet

"Cyberbullying has become an epidemic in today’s society. Cyberbullying has escalated so much that some victims commit suicide in order to escape their tormentors. Increased media coverage of these suicides has led the public to demand legislative action. Although no federal law exists, state legislation has been enacted to prevent bullying and cyberbullying. Most states delegate this task to public schools that respond by implementing zero- tolerance policies. Zero-tolerance policies against bullying and cyberbullying can impinge on many student rights, including speech protected by the First Amendment. Well intentioned zero tolerance policies may infringe on Constitutionally protected free speech, and …