In an effort to tackle bullying in our schools, State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is calling attention to a new state law that empowers school boards to punish students who make online threats to fellow students or school personnel..

“The Internet, Facebook and other new technology have changed the way we communicate with each other,” Gordon said. “No matter where we are or what we are doing, we are able to send messages to the entire world. While there are many benefits to our new methods of communication, there are drawbacks that include cyberbullying.”

A new law, House Bill 3281, takes effect on January 1 and allows school boards to suspend or expel students who make an explicit threat to a teacher, employee, or another student over the Internet. This law was passed in response to a growing number of cyberbullying cases seen throughout the country.

“While children are growing up they learn that their actions have consequences. In a time when new media and technology has changed the way children interact with each other and the adults around them, they must know that what they decide to post and share on the Internet can have consequences as well,” Gordon said. “I am glad that schools now have tools to help stop bullying outside of the school yard and that will keep our schools healthy and safe places to send our children.”

For more information, contact Gordon’s office by calling (309) 681-1992 or via e-mail at repjgordon@gmail.com.