Westchester Lawmakers Propose Law to Prevent Cyberbullying

A law to prevent cyberbullying has been proposed by two Westchester County lawmakers, according to lohud.com.

Under the proposed law, the county’s Human Rights Commission would be charged with launching a public-education awareness program and an anti-cyberbullying website, as well as a toll-free hotline where callers would be able to remain anonymous. Their complaints would be transmitted to local law enforcement agencies and the commission.

The program would target school district administrations, other educators, parents and students. The website would list community resources, including prevention programs and intervention services.

Legislator Alfreda Williams, D-Greenburgh, co-sponsor of the bill, said she expected the costs associated with establishing the hotline and outreach would be a "minor expense."

While it’s not the first time a law prohibiting cyberbullying was been proposed in Westchester, this time there isn’t any language establishing misdemeanor penalties such as jail time and fines for those who break the law.

Legislator Ken Jenkins, D-Yonkers, said this version focuses on preventive rather than punitive measures.

"The law is already there if someone crosses that line," he said. "The thought here is to educate young people before that happens."