Bullying is a serious problem in schools across the country. Kansas is no exception. If your child is being bullied, or if you just want to understand your rights, knowing the law matters.
This guide breaks down Kansas bullying laws in plain language. No legal jargon. No confusing terms. Just what you need to know.
What Is Bullying Under Kansas Law?
Kansas law has a clear definition of bullying. It’s not just “kids being mean.” The law is specific.
Under Kansas Statute 72-6147, bullying is any intentional gesture, written, verbal, electronic, or physical act or threat. It must be severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating or threatening environment. A reasonable person looking at the situation would see the harm. That’s the standard.
Okay, so what does that mean in real life? It means the behavior has to do one of these things: harm someone physically or mentally, damage their property, or make them reasonably fear harm. Pretty straightforward.
The law covers students and staff members. Both can be victims. Both can be bullies. That includes parents too.
Cyberbullying Is Also Covered
Here’s where things get really important. Kansas law specifically covers cyberbullying. It’s not just about what happens in the hallways.
Cyberbullying is bullying done through any electronic communication device. That includes email, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, online games, and websites. Basically, if it happens on a screen and it meets the bullying definition, it counts.
Most people don’t realize how broad this is. A mean text. A fake social media account. A threatening message in an online game. All of these can count as cyberbullying under Kansas law.
Basic Bullying Laws in Kansas
Every School Must Have a Policy
This is the core of Kansas bullying law. Every single school district in Kansas must adopt a written policy against bullying. This is not optional.
The policy must prohibit bullying by students, staff members, and parents. It has to cover conduct on school property, in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored activities or events. So it applies at football games, field trips, and bus rides too.
Wondering if your school has this policy? They’re required to post it. Check the school’s website, the student handbook, or the main office.
Every School Must Have a Plan
Having a policy is not enough. The law also requires each school district to create and carry out a plan to address bullying. There’s a difference.
The plan must include training and education for both staff and students. That means teachers, counselors, and administrators need to know what to do. And students need to learn about bullying prevention too.
Honestly, this is the part most people miss. The law requires action, not just words on paper.
Staff Bullying Is Illegal Too
Hold on, this part is important. Bullying is not just a student-to-student issue.
In 2013, Kansas passed what is informally called “Loren’s Law.” It is named after Loren Wendelburg, who was abused by a teacher as a fifth grader. This law made it crystal clear that staff members can be bullies under the law. Teacher bullying a student? That’s covered. Parent bullying a staff member? Also covered.
This was a major update. It closed a gap in the original law. Schools cannot look the other way when adults do the bullying.
Cyberbullying and Criminal Law
Here’s where things get very serious. School policies are one thing. Criminal charges are another.
Electronic Harassment Charges
If someone uses a phone, computer, or any electronic device to harass, threaten, or abuse you, that’s a crime in Kansas. It doesn’t matter if it’s a text, an email, a DM, or an online message.
This crime is called harassment by telecommunication device. It is a Class A nonperson misdemeanor. You could face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. That’s real criminal punishment.
Think of it like a traffic ticket, but way more serious. This goes on your record. It can follow you for years.
When Cyberbullying Becomes Stalking
Wait, it gets more serious. Repeated online harassment can cross into stalking territory.
Kansas defines stalking as engaging in a course of conduct targeted at a specific person. The conduct must cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. And importantly, two or more acts are enough to establish a “course of conduct” under the law.
Stalking starts as a Class A misdemeanor. That’s up to one year in jail. But a second conviction jumps to a felony. A felony. Depending on the circumstances, that can mean years in prison.
Personally, I think this matters a lot. Many people assume online bullying has no real-world consequences. It absolutely can.
Penalties and Consequences
Let’s talk specifics. What actually happens when bullying laws are broken?
School-Level Consequences
For bullying that happens at school, consequences are handled by the school district. They set the specific penalties. The law gives them that flexibility.
Common school-level consequences include detention, suspension from class, suspension from school, reassignment to another school, and expulsion. Schools can also require the bully to write an apology or repay for any damaged property.
The school’s response depends on the severity and how often it happened. A first-time minor incident is treated differently than repeated, serious bullying.
Criminal Consequences
For cyberbullying that becomes criminal harassment, here is what you could face as an adult or a juvenile referred to criminal court.
Electronic harassment is a Class A misdemeanor. That means up to one year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. If the behavior rises to stalking, a first offense can still be a misdemeanor. But repeat stalking jumps to a felony with years of potential prison time.
Less severe than a felony at first, but one repeat offense changes everything.
Civil Lawsuits
Here’s something many people don’t know. A bullying victim can also sue in civil court. This is separate from school discipline and separate from criminal charges.
In a civil lawsuit, the victim can seek money for emotional, social, or financial harm. The bully, or in some cases their parents, can be ordered to pay damages. School-level punishments do not prevent a civil case.
Special Circumstances
What Kansas Law Does NOT Cover
You’re not alone if this next part confuses you. It confuses a lot of people.
Kansas anti-bullying law applies on school property, in school vehicles, and at school events. Off-campus behavior is trickier. The state’s school bullying law generally does not cover conduct that happens completely off school grounds with no school connection.
That said, if the off-campus bullying is electronic and meets the criminal harassment standard, that’s still potentially a crime under the telecommunication harassment law. The school policy and the criminal law are two separate things.
Bullying of Students with Disabilities
Here’s where federal law steps in. If your child has an IEP or a 504 Plan and they are being bullied because of their disability, federal law requires the school to act.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA, says harassment that interferes with a child’s right to a free appropriate public education must be addressed. Schools that receive federal funding must take this seriously. If bullying is disability-based and the school ignores it, that could be a civil rights violation.
No Protected Groups Listed
Here’s an honest note. Kansas anti-bullying law does not specifically list protected groups. It does not call out race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
That does not mean bullying based on those things is acceptable. Federal law still applies. Schools receiving federal money must address discrimination tied to protected characteristics. And local school district policies may go further than the state law.
How to Report Bullying in Kansas
So what should you actually do if bullying happens? Let’s make this practical.
Step 1: Report to the School in Writing
Start at the school level. Report the bullying to the principal or assistant principal. Do this in writing. Keep a copy for yourself.
Send a copy to the superintendent as well. This creates a paper trail. That matters if things escalate.
Step 2: Use the School’s Reporting Tools
Most Kansas school districts now have online reporting systems. Some allow anonymous reports. Check your school’s website or student handbook for the link.
You can also fill out a bullying and harassment reporting form. These are available in the school’s main office or counselor’s office.
Step 3: Call the Kansas Bullying Prevention Hotline
Kansas has a free, anonymous bullying hotline. Call 1-800-332-6378. That’s also 1-800-CHILDREN. It is available 24 hours a day. You can also text or email at [email protected].
This service connects you with counsel and resources. It is run in partnership with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Children’s Service League.
Step 4: Report Criminal Behavior to Police
If the bullying involves criminal harassment, stalking, or physical assault, call local police. You can also call 911 in an emergency. For school safety threats, the Kansas School Safety Hotline is monitored by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Step 5: Document Everything
This one is so simple, but people skip it. Keep a log of every incident. Write down the date, time, location, what happened, and any witnesses. Save screenshots of online messages. Do not delete anything.
This documentation can be the difference between action and inaction. Schools and courts rely on evidence. Give them something to work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kansas law cover bullying that happens off school grounds?
The school-based bullying law generally applies on school property, on school vehicles, and at school events. However, cyberbullying that meets the criminal harassment standard can still be prosecuted regardless of where it originates.
Can a teacher be a bully under Kansas law?
Yes. Since Loren’s Law was passed in 2013, staff members are explicitly included in Kansas anti-bullying requirements. A teacher, coach, or other school employee can be held accountable under school policy and potentially criminal law.
What if the school ignores my bullying report?
Start by escalating to the district superintendent in writing. If the bullying involves a civil rights issue or disability discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Can I sue the school for not stopping bullying?
In some cases, yes. Especially if the bullying is tied to disability discrimination or civil rights violations, legal action against a school district may be possible. Consult a lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
What is the Kansas Bullying Prevention Hotline number?
The free anonymous hotline is 1-800-332-6378, also dialed as 1-800-CHILDREN. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by call, text, or email.
Can cyberbullying result in a criminal record?
Yes. If cyberbullying meets the standard for electronic harassment or stalking under Kansas criminal law, the person responsible can face misdemeanor or felony charges. Those charges can result in a permanent criminal record.
Final Thoughts
Kansas has clear laws against bullying. Schools are required to have policies and plans. Criminal charges are possible for serious harassment. And victims have real options, including reporting to hotlines, schools, police, and even courts.
The system is not perfect. Off-campus behavior has gaps. Enforcement depends on each school district. But you have more tools than you might think.
If you or your child is being bullied, act now. Document everything. Report in writing. Use the hotline. And if things don’t change, don’t be afraid to escalate. The law is on your side.
When in doubt, talk to a local attorney who handles education or family law. A free consultation can go a long way.
References
- Kansas Statute 72-6147: Bullying, School District Policies https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch72/072_061_0047.html
- Kansas State Department of Education, Bullying Awareness and Prevention https://www.ksde.gov/student-success/health-and-safety/bullying-awareness-and-prevention
- StopBullying.gov, Kansas Anti-Bullying Laws and Policies https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/kansas
- Kansas Statute 21-6206: Harassment by Telecommunication Device https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_062_0006.html
- Cyberbullying Research Center, Bullying Laws in Kansas https://cyberbullying.org/bullying-laws/kansas
- Kansas Bullying Prevention Toolkit 2025 (PDF) https://www.ksde.gov/Portals/0/CSAS/CSAS%20Home/Bullying%20Prevention%20Toolkit%201.pdf
