David’s Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending

cyber-assisted bullying by educating communities about the harmful effects of cyber abuse,

providing support for bullying victims, promoting kindness, and supporting legislation that

prohibits the cyberbullying of minors.

 

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 179, also known as David's Law, into law in 2017. 

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Click here to download a printable PDF summary of David's Law.

"Cyberbullying is an epidemic in this country,” said Sen. Menéndez. “David’s law will focus on prevention efforts in schools while offering consequences to those who wish to exploit and harass our children on the Internet. The passage of David’s Law would not have been possible without the Molak family, the Vasquez family and so many other families who channeled their heartbreaking story into positive change." 

The law is aimed at combating and preventing cyberbullying. It was named after 16-year-old Alamo Heights High School student David Molak who took his own life in January 2016 after enduring relentless cyberbullying.

 

Education Code:

Under David’s Law, Texas public schools will have the authority to address cyberbullying that occurs off-campus. Schools will be required to notify a bullying victim’s parents of a bullying incident within three business days after the incident is reported and must notify the parents of an aggressor within a reasonable amount of time. School procedures for reporting bullying incidents must include anonymous reporting for students. Schools will be able to expel students who engage in very serious bullying. This includes bullying that (i) encourages another student to commit suicide (i.e., suicide baiting), (ii) incites violence against another student, or (iii) involves releasing indecent photos of another student. Strong protections from civil or criminal liabilities will be given to schools and school personnel who report criminal bullying to law enforcement officials. There will be new provisions in the law to promote metal health education, including education about the effects of grief and trauma on a student’s mental health and learning. The role of school counselors will be expanded to include mediating interpersonal conflicts among students, including accusations of bullying.

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Click here to learn more about this law and what this means to your student and your family.  There are resources for help and support located on the website as well.

Click here to read all of S.B. 179 David's Law. Education Code: Under David's Law, Texas public