Second Session, Thirty-Ninth Legislature

This version is based on the printed bill that was distributed in the Legislature after First Reading.   It is not the official version.   If accuracy is critical, you can obtain a copy of the printed bill from Statutory Publications or view the online bilingual version (PDF).

Bill 24

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AMENDMENT ACT (CYBER-BULLYING AND USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES)

(Assented to                                         )

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

C.C.S.M. c. P250 amended

1

The Public Schools Act is amended by this Act.

2

Clause 41(1)(b.2) is replaced with the following:

(b.2) establish a written policy respecting the appropriate use of the following at schools:

(i) the Internet,

(ii) e-mail,

(iii) cell phones, including cell phones equipped with digital cameras,

(iv) digital cameras,

(v) any other personal communication devices identified by the board;

3(1)

Clause 47.1(2)(b) is amended

(a) in subclause (i), by striking out "bullying, or"; and

(b) by adding the following after subclause (i):

(i.1) bullying, including cyber-bullying,

3(2)

Clause 47.1(2)(d) is replaced with the following:

(d) a statement that pupils and staff must adhere to school policies respecting appropriate use of

(i) e-mail and the Internet, including policies that prohibit the accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing of material that the school has determined to be objectionable, and

(ii) digital cameras, cell phones, including those cell phones equipped with digital cameras, and other personal communication devices identified in the code of conduct;

3(3)

The following is added after subsection 47.1(2):

Interpretation:  cyber-bullying

47.1(2.1)

For the purpose of subclause (2)(b)(i.1), "cyber-bullying" means using the Internet or other information or communication technologies, such as e-mail messages or text messages sent by cell phone or pager, to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm someone else.

Coming into force

4

This Act comes into force on the day it receives royal assent.