By: Mark J. Semeraro, Esq., April 27, 2026
The rise of digital communication has unfortunately led to an increase in cyberbullying, posing significant challenges for children and their families in New Jersey. Understanding the legal avenues available to address such harmful behavior is crucial for protecting your child's well-being.
What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying generally means using phones, computers, or other devices to:
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Threaten or intimidate
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Spread rumors or humiliating content
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Share private images or messages without consent
Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow your child anywhere, occur at any time, and reach a wide audience, intensifying its impact.
What New Jersey Law Requires from Schools
New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act requires public schools to:
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Adopt written anti-bullying and cyberbullying policies
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Provide a way to report harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB)
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Investigate reported incidents promptly
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Take appropriate steps to address and, where possible, prevent further bullying
“HIB” generally covers conduct that:
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Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by a characteristic such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability (among others), and
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Physically or emotionally harms a student, damages their property, or creates a hostile school environment.
What to Do If You Suspect Cyberbullying? Is there Legal Action?
If you believe your child is being bullied online, you can take both practical and legal steps:
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Save evidence
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Take screenshots of texts, posts, direct messages, images, and usernames.
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Talk to your child
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Ask open-ended questions, listen carefully, and reassure them they are not at fault.
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Adjust online settings
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Block or mute offenders and tighten privacy settings on apps and social media.
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Notify the school in writing
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Report the conduct under the school’s HIB policy and request a written response.
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Ask how the school will handle the incident and follow up to see what steps are being taken and whether they are effective.
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Consider legal options
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Civil claims: In serious cases, parents may pursue claims against the bully (and sometimes their parents) for emotional and other harm, and in limited situations, against the school district if it knew or should have known about the bullying and responded in a grossly inadequate way. These cases are fact-specific and affected by strict notice rules and public-entity immunities.
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Criminal complaints: Severe cyberbullying may violate New Jersey’s harassment or cyber-harassment laws and involve police or the county prosecutor.
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Talk to a New Jersey attorney to understand whether your situation may support civil claims, criminal complaints, or both, and to plan the safest strategy for your child.
How Semeraro & Fahrney, LLC Can Help
Cyberbullying is not “just kids being kids.” If your child is being targeted online, you do not have to navigate school procedures and legal options alone.
Our firm advises New Jersey families on:
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Whether reported conduct meets the legal standards for HIB or harassment
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How to document incidents and work with the school under its policies
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When it may make sense to pursue civil claims or explore criminal options
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How to protect your child’s safety and education while a matter is pending
Early legal guidance can help you protect your child, work with the school more effectively, and preserve any potential claims. If you have questions about cyberbullying or your child’s rights under New Jersey law, you are encouraged to contact the attorneys at Semeraro & Fahrney, LLC for a confidential consultation.
Request a free consultation today:
Email: info@semerarolaw.com
Phone: (973) 988-5070
Web: semerarolaw.com/pages/contact
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Attorney Advertising. For informational purposes only; not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Written by Semeraro & Fahrney, LLC, Wayne, NJ. Last updated November 2025.
