Introduction       

           Nearly half of teens and adults in the US have experienced at least one form of online harassment. Name-calling, false rumors, and physical threats are only a few of the many types of cyberbullying inflicted upon victims whose mental and emotional health suffered greatly as a result. Victims often report increased rates of anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, isolation, anger, and even stress-related headaches. In the most severe cases, cyberbullying has been linked to self-harm and suicidal thoughts and actions, highlighting the severe damage and dangers of online harassment.

 

Analysis

       What actions have been taken to protect the digital population from such atrocities? While no single federal law specifically addresses cyberbullying, all 50 states in the U.S. have laws or policies that cover electronic forms of harassment and bullying. However, these laws vary from state to state. In Tennessee, the words harassment, intimidation, or bullying is legally defined as any communication that maliciously intends to be a threat of harm to the victim, and that a reasonable person would perceive the communication to be a threat of harm (Tennessee Department of Education, n.d.). Therefore, the phrase “cyberbullying” simply means this form of bullying is undertaken through the use of electronic devices. In response to the harmful the effects of cyberbullying in schools, including interference with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, Tennessee law has specific penalties in place, especially for minors.

 

         In Tennessee, cyberbullying is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which falls under the same misdemeanor classification as harassment (Tennessee Department of Education, n.d.). A new law in Tennessee, effective July 1, 2025, mandates that minors found guilty of cyberbullying in juvenile court will receive a one year suspension of driving privileges. Convicted adults can face up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. If the offense involves stalking, it can be elevated to a Class E felony, with a potential prison sentence of one to six years and a fine of up to $3,000. With such protective laws in place, it is clear that cyberbullying is a serious matter and a multi-faceted approach is essential to combat the related harms in order to maintain a safe, welcoming digital population.

 

Conclusion

       To conclude, cyberbullying in the U.S. remains a significant challenge resulting in severe mental and emotional consequences for victims. In response, stringent state laws are in place, such as those of Tennessee, that provide legal recourse and penalties. Ultimately, through cohesive education and the enforcement of cyberbullying violations, the digital environment can be a safe, respectful place where every member is free to thrive for years to come.

 

​

 

Bibliography 

 

Tennessee bullying, harassment, cyber-bullying laws title 49 education. (n.d.). https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/safety/bully_harass_cyber-bullying_laws.pdf 

 

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (2023, May 17). Tennessee anti-bullying laws & policies. StopBullying.gov. https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/tennessee 

​

​