Bullying Laws in Louisiana (2026): Protect Your Child Today

Bullying is a serious problem in schools across the country. Louisiana takes it seriously too. If you’re a parent, student, or teacher in Louisiana, you need to know what the law says and what you can do about it.

This article breaks it all down in plain language. No legal jargon. Just what you need to know.

What Is Bullying Under Louisiana Law?

Louisiana law is very specific about what counts as bullying. It’s not just being mean once. It has to be a pattern of behavior. That means it happens more than once.

So simple, right? But let’s go deeper.

According to Louisiana Revised Statute 17:416.13, bullying includes gestures like making threatening faces. It includes written, electronic, or verbal communication. That means name-calling, threatening harm, taunting, and spreading rumors all count. Physical acts like hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone’s property count too. Repeatedly leaving someone out on purpose is also bullying.

Here’s the key part. The behavior has to cause real harm. It must either physically hurt a student, make them fear for their safety, damage their property, or be severe enough to disrupt their ability to learn.

Wondering if a one-time incident counts? Probably not. But don’t ignore it. One incident can be the start of a pattern.

Basic Bullying Laws in Louisiana

Where Bullying Laws Apply

Louisiana law covers bullying in many places. It’s not just what happens inside the classroom.

The law applies on school property. It covers school-sponsored events and activities. It includes school buses and bus stops. It even applies to private vehicles used to transport students to school events.

Okay, pause. Read this carefully.

The law also applies to behavior that starts off-campus if it affects a student when they’re at school. So if someone posts something mean online at home, but it targets a student at school, it can still be covered.

Every School Must Have a Policy

Louisiana law requires every public school to have a written anti-bullying policy. This isn’t optional. It’s the law.

Each school’s policy must explain exactly what bullying is. It must describe how students and parents can report it. It must explain how the school will investigate reports. And it must spell out the consequences.

Schools also have to tell students and parents about the policy. They do this at orientation each year. A written copy must be sent home to parents too.

Cyberbullying Laws in Louisiana

What Counts as Cyberbullying?

Here’s where things get interesting.

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Louisiana has a separate criminal law just for cyberbullying. It’s Louisiana Revised Statute 14:40.7. This law defines cyberbullying as sending any electronic communication with the intent to coerce, abuse, torment, or intimidate someone under the age of 18.

That includes texts, emails, social media posts, direct messages, photos, and videos. Basically anything sent through a phone, computer, or electronic device can count.

Most people don’t realize how strict these laws are. If you send a threatening or tormenting message online to a minor, you could face criminal charges. Not just school discipline. Actual criminal charges.

Off-Campus Cyberbullying Is Still Illegal

Here’s what trips a lot of people up. You don’t have to be at school for cyberbullying to be illegal.

Louisiana’s criminal cyberbullying law applies anywhere. If someone sends harassing messages from home, from a park, or from a friend’s house, it doesn’t matter. The law still applies if the victim is under 18.

A friend asked me about this recently. She thought her teen was safe because the messages came from off-campus. Turns out, she was wrong. Don’t be in the same situation.

Penalties and Consequences

School Consequences for Students

Schools have a lot of options when it comes to punishing bullies. Consequences can include oral or written warnings. A student can be referred to counseling. Parents will be notified in writing. More serious cases can lead to suspension or even expulsion.

Think of it like a traffic ticket, but for school. Minor first offenses might get a warning. Serious or repeated behavior can get you removed from school entirely.

Schools must also report confirmed bullying incidents to the Louisiana Department of Education. This keeps a statewide record of what’s happening.

Criminal Penalties for Cyberbullying

Here’s where it gets serious.

If an adult is convicted of cyberbullying in Louisiana, they can be fined up to $500, jailed for up to six months, or both. That’s a criminal conviction on your record.

If the bully is under 18, the case goes through the juvenile justice system instead. The Children’s Code governs how those cases are handled.

And if cyberbullying escalates to the point of stalking, the penalties get much worse. A first stalking conviction can mean 30 days to one year in jail and a fine of $500 to $1,000. Repeat stalking convictions can carry 5 to 40 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. That’s not a small thing.

Less severe than a felony in most cases, but still no joke.

What Happens to School Employees Who Don’t Act?

Hold on, this part is important.

Louisiana law doesn’t just hold students responsible. Teachers, bus drivers, counselors, and other school staff are required to report bullying when they see it or hear about it.

If a school employee witnesses bullying and fails to report it, they can be investigated. If found to have failed to act, they can be suspended without pay. The length of that suspension depends on how serious the bullying was.

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School administrators who don’t notify parents, don’t investigate properly, or don’t take action can also face consequences. This law was updated as recently as 2024 to make these accountability rules stronger.

Honestly, this is one of the most important parts of the law. Adults in schools are expected to be the safety net. When they fail, there are real consequences.

Special Circumstances

Private Schools

Louisiana law applies to public schools. But the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education also requires approved private schools to follow similar anti-bullying policies.

So if your child attends a private school, the school still has responsibilities under state rules.

Students With Special Needs

Schools must be careful when disciplining students with disabilities. Federal law, including rules about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, still applies. Schools can’t punish a student for behavior that’s directly related to their disability without following proper procedures.

Free Speech

The law includes a free speech protection. Nothing in Louisiana’s cyberbullying law is meant to punish religious speech protected by the Louisiana Constitution. But free speech has limits. Speech that is threatening, harassing, or tormenting can still be prosecuted.

How to Report Bullying in Louisiana

You’re not alone if you’re not sure where to start. Most people don’t know the steps. Let’s break it down.

If your child is being bullied at school, the first step is to report it to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. You can also fill out an official Bullying Report Form. Every Louisiana school is required to have one available.

Once the school gets a report, they must start an investigation by the next school day. They are also required to notify the parents of both the victim and the alleged bully.

If the school doesn’t respond, you can take it to the local school board. If the school board doesn’t act, you can report directly to the Louisiana Department of Education using the Bullying Incident Monitoring Form.

If you believe a crime has been committed, especially cyberbullying, report it to local law enforcement. You can contact your local sheriff’s office or police department.

Trust me, documenting everything helps. Save screenshots, write down dates, and keep records of every conversation with school officials.

What Schools Must Do After a Report

Here’s what the law says schools have to do once a bullying report comes in.

They must investigate the report promptly. They must meet with the parents of all students involved. They must create a written record of their findings. That record goes into the school files of every student involved.

If bullying is confirmed, the school must take disciplinary action against the bully. If the bullying rises to the level of a crime, school officials are required to report it to law enforcement.

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Parents of the victim must also be told about available counseling options. The school must make sure the victim has access to support.

Staff Training Requirements

Louisiana law requires all school employees who work with students to get bullying prevention training. New employees must complete at least four hours of training. All returning staff who work with students must complete at least two hours of training every year. Bus operators are included in this requirement.

Pretty straightforward. The goal is to make sure every adult in the school knows how to recognize and respond to bullying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Louisiana’s bullying law apply to cyberbullying that happens over the weekend?

Yes. Louisiana’s criminal cyberbullying law applies 24/7. It doesn’t matter when or where the messages were sent if the victim is under 18.

Can a parent be held responsible if their child bullies someone online?

Possibly. While the criminal charges focus on the person sending the messages, parents can face civil liability in some situations. It’s always best to talk to a lawyer if you’re unsure.

What if my child is afraid to report bullying?

Reports can be made confidentially. Under Louisiana law, any report of bullying must be kept confidential by school officials. Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult.

Can my child be expelled for bullying?

Yes. Serious or repeat bullying can result in expulsion. Schools also have the option to assign students to alternative educational settings.

What if the school ignores my bullying report?

You can escalate. Report to the school board, then to the Louisiana Department of Education. You also have the right to seek other legal remedies under state and federal law.

What counts as cyberbullying vs. just being rude online?

Cyberbullying under Louisiana law requires malicious and willful intent to coerce, abuse, torment, or intimidate. Casual rudeness may not meet that legal bar. But if it’s a pattern and it’s causing real harm, it could qualify. When in doubt, report it and let officials decide.

Final Thoughts

Louisiana has some of the most detailed bullying laws in the country. Schools are required to have policies. Staff are required to report and respond. And criminal penalties exist for serious cases of cyberbullying.

Now you know the basics. If your child is being bullied, report it right away. Keep records. Follow up. And if the school doesn’t act, keep going up the chain.

Stay informed, stay involved, and when in doubt, reach out to the Louisiana Department of Education or a local attorney for help.