§ 129A.001.Definition

A one-line borrowing definition: "cyberbullying" has the meaning assigned by Section 37.0832(a) of the Education Code.

That provision sits in the school discipline chapter, and defines cyberbullying as bullying done through a communication device — broadly, conduct through electronic means that has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging their property, or placing them in reasonable fear of either, or that is severe enough to create an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment.

Borrowing from the Education Code is a deliberate choice with a consequence. The definition was written for what schools must address, so it is framed around students and the educational environment.

That fits this chapter, whose remedy is available to a recipient younger than 18 — but it means the civil remedy is bounded by a definition drawn for a different purpose.

The borrowing also means the civil remedy moves with the Education Code. An amendment broadening what schools must treat as cyberbullying broadens the injunction available here, without this chapter changing.

Note what the chapter does not do: it creates no damages claim. The whole remedy is injunctive, and the definition therefore sets the scope of an order rather than of liability.

The chapter was added in 2017 as part of David’s Law, the legislative response to a series of teenage suicides linked to online harassment.