Council passes law against bullying in public or in cyberspace

CBC News
Apr. 26, 2006

Regina city council has taken aim at bullies with a new bylaw that allows fines of up to $2,000 for bullying in public or in cyberspace.

On Monday night, council approved the Regina Anti Bullying and Public Fighting Bylaw. Among other things, it makes it illegal to bully another person in any public place and through written or electronic communication. It also makes it an offence to take pictures or video of a fight and post it online.

Bullying includes comments or conduct intended to "intimidate, humiliate or isolate" people in a way that causes "physical or emotional distress," according to the Saskatchewan city's bylaw.

Fines will range from $100 to $2,000. Police will ticket offenders.

Coun. Fred Clipsham said the bylaw is designed to fill a gap in the laws against bullying, both in public and online.

"Certainly, this new type of internet bullying where episodes of bullying are posted on the internet and a young person's humiliation just goes on and on and on ... it's really something I'd like to see come to an end," he said.

Earlier this year, a report prepared by city staff said bullying is a growing concern for many people in Regina. It said there are concerns that "with increasing frequency," schoolyard fights in Regina are being videotaped and displayed online.

The bylaw doesn't apply to children under the age of 12. In cases involving youths between 12 and 16, parents will face the fine.

It doesn't apply to situations of domestic violence or workplace bullying, which are covered by different laws.