New Bullying Law Puts Responsibility on Parents in North Tonawanda

Parents of children found bullying other minors could face jail time under a new law approved by the City of North Tonawanda, New York, a city just north of Buffalo.

The law went into effect October 1, 2017.

By holding parents accountable for their children’s actions, members of the North Tonawanda Common Council hope the new law will put a stop to bullying.

Parents could face fines up to $250 and if found guilty twice in a 90-day period, they could face up to 15 days in jail. Their child must also adhere to the city’s curfew or any other city law, including bullying.

North Tonawanda officials say the law is geared toward minors who repeatedly bully other children in public places.

After four teens were being reportedly kicked out of North Tonawanda Middle School for alleged bullying, the bullying law came into affect.