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Newly proposed Texas law criminalizes cyberbullying, Entity reports.

A newly proposed Texas bill could soon criminalize cyberbullying.

Senator José Menéndez filed Senate Bill 179, which classifies cyberbullying as a misdemeanor. Under it, courts can issue subpoenas to unmask those who harass minors online. So no more hiding behind that internet anonymity, bullies.

Victims could also sue the parents of cyberbullies if they could have intervened to stop their children, but didn’t. Schools also face a brunt of this burden, with requirements to report and intervene in any suspected cyberbullying cases.

*slight spoilers for Netflix series “13 Reasons Why”*

The proposed bill feels particularly pertinent with the release and popularity of Netflix’s powerful new series, “13 Reasons Why.” Following the suicide of Hannah Baker, a high school lands on the other end of a lawsuit, for failing to protect her from the harsh bullying of her peers.

With SB 179, schools would need to create mental health plans to address suicide prevention and bullying. They could also move or expel students who bully minors – aka: a big buh-bye to “13 Reasons Why” jerks Bryce, Alex, Zach and Marcus (etc.).

Some critics of the proposed law feel it’s the wrong move to focus on punishing bullies. Experts like Mental Health Policy Director for Texans Care for Children Josette Saxton argue that prevention is the most important step. And that’s a good point. We should be teaching safe internet use from a young age.

But let’s be real – not everyone is going to follow that. Menéndez agrees that prevention is important, but notes, “But we still have a myriad of high and middle school schoolers who think it’s cool to come up with best ‘burn’ or ‘put down.’ I’m dealing with a group of kids who are past early prevention and intervention.”

Menéndez is working with the Molak family, who lost their 16-year-old son David in January 2016. He took his own life after months of cyberbullying by classmates.

The hope is that this bill, which has been dubbed “David’s Law,” will curb the rise in teen suicide. And perhaps it could. In the case of Hannah Baker, outreach from a guidance counselor or concerned teacher could have made all the difference. If there had been such a law in her state, maybe she would never have made those 13 tapes.

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