Bullying is a serious problem in schools across the country. Mississippi has real laws in place to stop it. Knowing those laws can protect you or your child.
Whether you’re a parent, student, or just someone who wants to understand the rules, this guide breaks it all down. Simple language. No legal jargon.
What Is Bullying Under Mississippi Law?
Mississippi law has a clear definition of bullying. It’s not just pushing or name-calling. It’s actually much broader than most people think.
According to Mississippi Code Section 37-11-67, bullying includes any pattern of gestures, written messages, electronic communications, or physical acts. It also covers threatening communication. This includes anything that a person could reasonably see as being motivated by something different about them.
Okay, here’s the key part. The behavior has to do one of two things. It must make a student or school employee fear harm to themselves or their property. Or it must create what the law calls a “hostile environment” that seriously gets in the way of a student’s education.
A “hostile environment” means the victim actually sees the behavior as bullying. And a reasonable person looking at it from the outside would agree. Both things have to be true. Makes sense, right?
Where Do These Laws Apply?
Wondering if the law covers what happened to your child? Location matters a lot here.
Mississippi’s anti-bullying laws apply in three specific places. They cover school property itself. They also cover any school-sponsored function or event. And they include school buses.
So if something happens at a football game, a field trip, or on the ride home, the law still applies. You’re not alone if you assumed it only covered classroom situations. That’s a common misunderstanding.
Basic Bullying Laws in Mississippi
Mississippi Code Section 37-11-67 makes it very clear. No student or school employee can be subjected to bullying or harassing behavior. That goes for bullying from other students and from school staff. Both are prohibited.
There’s another important rule that often gets overlooked. No one can retaliate against a victim, a witness, or anyone who reports bullying. Retaliation means getting back at someone for speaking up. That is also against the law.
Here’s something that might surprise you. School employees who witness bullying or who learn about it from a reliable source are required by law to report it to a school official. It’s not optional for them. It’s a legal duty.
Students and volunteers who see or know about bullying should also report it. The law uses the word “should” for students rather than “shall.” But reporting it is still the right thing to do.
School District Responsibilities
Hold on, this part is important. Mississippi law doesn’t just say bullying is wrong. It actually requires every school district to take specific action.
Each local school district must include a bullying prohibition in its personnel policies, discipline policies, and student code of conduct. Every district has to do this. It’s required by law under Mississippi Code Section 37-11-69.
The district policy must cover several key areas. It must lay out how to report a bullying incident. It must explain how the school will investigate. It must describe what counseling options are available. And it must explain how parents will be notified.
That notification rule is a big deal. Schools must notify the parents or guardians of both the victim and the bully within a reasonable time after an incident. Both families deserve to know.
Every school district also has to post its bullying reporting procedures on its website. If you can’t find it, that’s actually a problem the district needs to fix. You have every right to ask for it.
Cyberbullying: What the Law Says
Now, here’s where things get serious. Cyberbullying is treated differently from in-school bullying. And the consequences can be much harsher.
Cyberbullying means bullying that happens through electronic communication. This includes social media, texting, email, and online gaming platforms. It often involves sharing harmful or embarrassing content about someone, sometimes anonymously.
Here’s the important thing about cyberbullying at school. If it starts on school grounds, uses school technology, or has a clear connection to the school environment, the school district has the power to discipline the student. Even if it happened online.
But cyberbullying can also become a criminal matter. That’s where the stakes really go up.
When Cyberbullying Becomes a Crime
A friend asked me about this recently. They assumed cyberbullying was just a school issue. Turns out, in Mississippi, it can land you in actual legal trouble. That surprised them. It might surprise you too.
Under Mississippi law, cyberbullying against a student is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail. Think of it like a serious traffic ticket, but with potential jail time attached.
If the cyberbullying crosses into stalking territory, things get worse. Stalking is also a misdemeanor in Mississippi. It carries up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. If a restraining order is violated at the same time, that fine can go up to $1,500.
Then there’s cyberstalking. This is a felony in Mississippi. A conviction can mean up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If it happens while someone is violating parole, probation, or a restraining order, the penalty jumps to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Honestly, most people don’t realize how serious these laws are until it’s too late.
Aggravated Stalking: The Most Serious Level
Wait, it gets more serious. Stalking can become aggravated stalking. And that’s a whole different level of trouble.
Aggravated stalking is a felony. It happens when someone uses a deadly weapon during the stalking. It also applies if the person has a prior stalking conviction within the last seven years. Or if they are a registered sex offender who targeted a minor.
The penalties for aggravated stalking can include up to five years in prison. Younger defendants may be handled in juvenile court, but being young doesn’t mean you get off easy.
Civil Lawsuits: A Separate Consequence
Here’s something most people completely miss. Beyond criminal charges and school discipline, a victim of cyberbullying can also sue in civil court.
A civil lawsuit is separate from criminal charges. It’s not about sending someone to jail. It’s about money damages. The victim could sue for emotional distress, lost opportunities, or other harm caused by the bullying.
In fact, a Mississippi court case resulted in a jury awarding a cyberstalking victim over $275,000 in damages. That’s a real example of how serious these civil cases can be. One act of cyberbullying could cost a family far more than a fine.
Self-Defense and Bullying: A Special Provision
This one is actually pretty important. Mississippi law recognizes the right of every student to defend themselves from bullying.
If a student is being bullied and uses reasonable self-defense, they cannot be punished by the school just for defending themselves. The school has to investigate first. If the investigation shows the student was the victim and acted in reasonable self-defense, discipline cannot be imposed for that defensive response.
This doesn’t mean anything goes. The response has to be reasonable. But the law does protect students who stand up for themselves in the face of a genuine threat.
Students With Disabilities: Extra Protections
Confused about whether disability status changes the rules? It does, and this matters a lot.
If a student with a disability is involved in a bullying incident as the bully, any discipline must follow federal law. Specifically, it must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as IDEA. The discipline process has extra steps and protections for these students.
This doesn’t mean students with disabilities can bully without consequences. It just means the school has to follow a specific legal process before disciplining them.
The 2025 Anti-Bullying Act: What’s New
Mississippi isn’t standing still on this issue. In 2025, state lawmakers introduced the Mississippi Comprehensive Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Act of 2025. This is a big deal.
The law establishes a phased-in pilot program in public schools. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, 10% of schools statewide began rolling out comprehensive anti-bullying programs. The emphasis is on schools with the highest rates of bullying incidents.
By the 2026-2027 school year, the program is set to expand to 50% of schools statewide. Each school district is required to designate an Anti-Bullying Coordinator. That person monitors the program and reports results to the state.
The program includes teacher training, counseling for victims, and intervention for students who bully. There are also school-wide campaigns to build empathy and respect. Personally, I think this kind of whole-school approach is the right move.
The Mississippi Keeping Kids Safe Online Act
There’s even more recent news. In 2026, Mississippi’s governor signed the Keeping Kids Safe Online Act into law. This law focuses on protecting children from online harms, including cyberbullying.
Under this law, social media platforms must get parental consent before young users can join. Platforms that misrepresent their safety features can face civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Parents can also seek damages if their children are repeatedly exposed to harmful content.
The Mississippi Department of Education must now create social media safety courses for students in grades 6 through 12. These courses cover cyberbullying, online predators, and other digital risks. Parents can opt their children out, but the option has to be offered.
How to Report Bullying in Mississippi
Pretty straightforward once you know the steps. Here’s what you should do.
First, go to your school district’s website. Every district is legally required to post its bullying reporting procedures there. Look for it under the safety, student conduct, or policy sections.
If you can’t find it, call the school directly. Ask to speak with the principal. Request a copy of the anti-bullying policy and ask how to file a formal report. You have every right to ask.
When you report, put it in writing. A written report creates a record. If your school district’s reporting form doesn’t have a written option, the PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers sample letter templates you can use.
If the bullying involves threats, physical harm, or electronic harassment, you may also want to contact local law enforcement. School discipline and criminal charges are separate. You can pursue both at the same time.
Retaliation Is Illegal Too
Stay with me here, because this part really matters. Reporting bullying should never make things worse for you.
Mississippi law specifically prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports or provides information about bullying. That means if someone tries to get back at you for speaking up, that is also against the law. Report it immediately to the school or to police.
No one should ever feel scared to report bullying. The law is on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi law cover bullying that happens off school grounds?
Generally, the law covers bullying on school property, at school functions, and on school buses. However, if cyberbullying starts on school grounds or uses school technology, the school can still take action.
Can a student be expelled for bullying in Mississippi?
Yes. Schools have the authority to suspend or expel students for bullying. A student who is repeatedly disruptive can also be expelled after a third offense within a school year.
What should I do if the school doesn’t take my bullying report seriously?
Put your report in writing and keep a copy. You can escalate to the school board or contact the Mississippi Department of Education. If the bullying involves criminal behavior, you can also file a report with local law enforcement.
Is cyberbullying a felony in Mississippi?
Cyberbullying itself is a misdemeanor. But related crimes like cyberstalking are classified as felonies and carry much harsher penalties including up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Can parents be held responsible for their child’s bullying behavior?
Parents may face civil liability for damages caused by their child. Courts can order payment for things like the victim’s therapy or emotional distress. There is no direct criminal penalty for parents, but civil lawsuits are a real possibility.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi takes bullying seriously. The laws are clear. The consequences are real. And they apply to in-person bullying, cyberbullying, and everything in between.
If you or your child is being bullied, report it. Know your rights. Document everything. And don’t be afraid to push for action.
You deserve to feel safe at school. The law agrees.
References
- Mississippi Code §37-11-67 – Bullying or harassing behavior in public schools prohibited
- Mississippi Code §37-11-69 – Anti-bullying personnel and discipline policies
- StopBullying.gov – Mississippi Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies
- Cyberbullying Research Center – Mississippi Bullying Laws
- Mississippi Code §97-45-15 – Cyberstalking penalties
- Magnolia Tribune – Mississippi Keeping Kids Safe Online Act (2026)
- Mississippi HB 975 – Comprehensive Anti-Bullying and Cyberbullying Act of 2025
- Family & Children’s Resource Program – What Mississippi Law Says About Bullying
