Most people assume bullying is just a school problem. Something teachers handle. Something kids grow out of. But in Missouri, bullying is taken seriously by the law. And the penalties can be real.
Whether you’re a parent, a student, or just someone who wants to understand the rules, this guide breaks it all down for you.
What Is Bullying Under Missouri Law?
Missouri law has a clear definition. Bullying is intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or likely to be repeated. It must cause a student to fear for their safety or property. It can also mean behavior that seriously disrupts school or harms a student’s ability to learn.
Bullying can be physical. It can be verbal. It can happen in writing. And yes, it can happen online. Missouri law specifically includes cyberbullying in its definition. So sending threatening messages from your bedroom counts. Pretty much anything that causes real fear or harm can qualify.
Wondering what separates bullying from just being mean? The key word is “repetitive.” A one-time rude comment is bad behavior. But repeated, targeted harassment with real impact? That’s bullying under the law.
Missouri’s School Anti-Bullying Law
Missouri has required every school district to have an official anti-bullying policy since 2007. That’s not optional. Every district must have one. It has to be included in the student handbook too.
The law comes from Missouri Revised Statutes Section 160.775. It covers bullying on school property, at school events, and on school buses. Schools have real responsibilities here. Honestly, this is one of the stronger parts of Missouri’s approach.
What Schools Must Do
Here’s where it gets interesting. The law doesn’t just say “schools should stop bullying.” It spells out exactly what every school policy must include.
Schools must have a clear ban on bullying. They must have a way for students to report it. They must assign a specific person at each school to receive those reports. And they must investigate every report. Schools are also required to provide education to students about bullying and its harmful effects.
Okay, this one’s important. School employees who personally witness bullying must report it to the school’s designated person within two school days. That’s not a suggestion. That’s the law. Employees with firsthand knowledge are required to report.
What Happens After a Report?
Once a report is made, the school must investigate. The school must also respond in a way that doesn’t make the victim feel worse. That means no public shaming of the victim during the process. Resources and support must be made available to students who are targeted.
Schools can also discipline students for cyberbullying that happens off campus. Yes, even at home. If the bullying was connected to school, used school technology, or had enough of a link to the school environment, the school has the right to act.
Cyberbullying and Missouri Law
Cyberbullying is basically bullying through a screen. It includes text messages, social media posts, emails, or any online communication meant to intimidate, harm, or harass someone.
Missouri doesn’t have one law called “cyberbullying.” Instead, cyberbullying falls under several criminal laws. Think of it like this: the behavior is what matters, not the device used to do it.
A prosecutor can charge someone with harassment, stalking, or unlawful online posting depending on what happened. These are real criminal charges. Not just a detention.
In 2024, Missouri created the “Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force.” Its job is to study the rise in cyberbullying and recommend the best ways to fight it. The task force began meeting in the fall of 2024. This shows Missouri is actively working to strengthen its approach.
Criminal Charges Related to Bullying
Here’s where things get serious. When bullying crosses a line, it becomes a criminal matter.
Harassment
Missouri has two levels of harassment. First-degree harassment happens when someone intentionally causes emotional distress to another person, and that person actually suffers it. First-degree harassment is a Class E felony. That means up to four years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Second-degree harassment is when someone acts with the purpose to cause emotional distress, but the victim may not have suffered it yet. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor. You could face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. A second offense bumps it up to a Class E felony.
Stalking
Stalking is a step beyond harassment. It involves a pattern of behavior meant to frighten or distress someone. This includes following someone, sending repeated unwanted messages, or showing up uninvited at their home or school.
Second-degree stalking is a Class A misdemeanor on the first offense. That’s up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Repeat offenses become Class E felonies, with up to four years in prison.
First-degree stalking is more serious. It involves actual threats to someone’s safety. That’s a Class E felony to start. It moves up to a Class D felony if the person has a prior conviction, is targeting a minor under 17, or violates a protection order. A Class D felony carries up to seven years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Less severe than a murder charge, but still no joke. A felony stays on your record permanently.
Unlawful Online Posting
This one surprises a lot of people. It’s actually illegal in Missouri to post someone’s personal information online with the intent to cause them great harm. That includes their name, address, phone number, or Social Security number.
A first offense is a Class C misdemeanor. That’s up to 15 days in jail and a $750 fine. If the victim is a law enforcement officer or similar official, it jumps to a Class E felony.
Penalties at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown so you can see the full picture. Harassment in the first degree is a Class E felony with up to four years in prison. Harassment in the second degree starts as a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Stalking in the second degree starts as a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Stalking in the first degree is a Class E felony with up to four years in prison and can go up to a Class D felony with up to seven years. Unlawful online posting starts as a Class C misdemeanor with up to 15 days in jail and a $750 fine.
Think of the lower-level charges like a very serious traffic ticket situation. The felonies? Those change your life.
Special Circumstances
Not every situation fits neatly into a box. Here are a few cases that stand out.
When the victim is a minor under 17, charges are often elevated. The law treats crimes against children more seriously. That’s intentional.
If someone has a protective order against them and they continue the behavior, charges automatically increase. Violating a protection order escalates a misdemeanor to a felony fast.
If the bully targets a law enforcement officer or a family member of one, penalties also increase significantly. This applies to harassment, stalking, and online posting charges.
Personally, I think the protection for minors makes the most sense. Kids are in a more vulnerable position and need stronger safeguards.
How to Report Bullying in Missouri
You’re not alone if you don’t know exactly what to do. Most people don’t. But the process is actually pretty straightforward.
If the bullying is happening at school, start by reporting it to the designated contact at your school. Every Missouri school is required to have one. Check the student handbook if you’re unsure who that person is.
You can also report through Courage2Report. This is a Missouri resource that gives three ways to report bullying, including anonymous options. Students, parents, and community members can all use it.
If the bullying has crossed into criminal territory, contact local law enforcement. You can file a police report for harassment or stalking. You can also speak to the school principal or district administration.
Hold on, this part is important. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Don’t wait.
For civil options, a victim of bullying may be able to file a lawsuit. If the bullying caused real emotional, social, or financial harm, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your options under Missouri law.
What Parents Should Know
Parents, you have rights here too. If your child is being bullied, you can request to see the school’s anti-bullying policy. It must be in the student handbook. You can formally report the bullying to the school’s designated contact and ask for an investigation.
If the school doesn’t act, you can escalate. Contact the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). You can also file a complaint based on federal anti-discrimination law if the bullying involves race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
A friend of mine went through this last year. The school didn’t take action right away. She filed a formal written complaint. Things changed quickly after that. Document everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bullying illegal in Missouri? Bullying itself is not a specific crime in Missouri, but it can lead to criminal charges like harassment, stalking, or unlawful online posting depending on what happened.
Can a student be arrested for bullying? Yes. If the behavior meets the legal definition of harassment or stalking, a student can face criminal charges and potentially be arrested.
What should I do if my child is being cyberbullied? Document everything by saving screenshots and messages. Report it to the school and, if criminal behavior is involved, to local law enforcement.
Can schools punish students for cyberbullying that happens at home? Yes. Missouri law allows schools to discipline students for cyberbullying that has a sufficient connection to the school environment, even if it happened off campus.
What is the punishment for first-degree harassment in Missouri? First-degree harassment is a Class E felony, which carries up to four years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
What if the school doesn’t do anything about bullying? You can escalate to the Missouri DESE, consult an attorney, or file a formal complaint. Schools are legally required to investigate and respond.
Does Missouri have a specific cyberbullying law? No. Missouri handles cyberbullying through its harassment, stalking, and unlawful online posting statutes rather than a single cyberbullying law.
Final Thoughts
Missouri takes bullying seriously. The laws are clear. Schools have real responsibilities. And when bullying turns criminal, the consequences can follow someone for years.
Now you know the basics. If you’re a parent, talk to your child about these laws. If you’re a student, know your rights and your school’s policy. And if you’re dealing with bullying right now, take action. Report it. Document it. Ask for help.
When in doubt, contact your school, reach out to Courage2Report, or speak with a lawyer. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
References
- Missouri Revised Statutes § 160.775 – Anti-Bullying Policy Required: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=160.775
- Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – Bullying Resources: https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs/public-school-laws-missouri/bullying
- StopBullying.gov – Missouri Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies: https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/missouri
- CriminalDefenseLawyer.com – Missouri Laws on Online Harassment and Cyberbullying: https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/cyberbullying-missouri.htm
- Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.090 – Harassment, First Degree: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=565.090
- Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.225 – Stalking, First Degree: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=565.225
- KY3 News – Bullying Bill Moves Forward in Missouri Legislature (2024): https://www.ky3.com/2024/04/18/bullying-bill-moves-forward-missouri-legislature/
