Snyder signs bill targeting cyberbullying of schoolchildren

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a bill requiring Michigan school districts to include cyberbullying in their anti-bullying policies and report bullying data to the state.

The bill was one of 21 that Snyder signed Tuesday.

The Legislature approved the cyberbullying measure during its lame duck session after the election and before its new members took office.

Supporters say the measure addresses gaps in a 2011 law that requires K-12 districts and charter schools to have anti-bullying policies.

They say bullying done through social media, texting and instant messaging is probably more prevalent now than physical bullying. Opponents say they question how schools and the state are supposed to stop cyberbullying often done outside school grounds.

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Online:

Summary of bills: http://1.usa.gov/1AYkoG5