2019 Tennessee Code
Title 49 - Education
Chapter 6 - Elementary and Secondary Education
Part 45 - Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Cyber-Bullying.
§ 49-6-4502. Part definitions.
(a) As used in this part:
(1) “Cyber-bullying” means bullying undertaken through the use of electronic devices;
(2) “Electronic devices” include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and web sites;
(3) “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any act that substantially interferes with a student's educational benefits, opportunities or performance; and:
(A) If the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop, the act has the effect of:
(i) Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property;
(ii) Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student's property;
(iii) Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
(iv) Creating a hostile educational environment; or
(B) If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, it is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process.
