WEST VIRGINIA PTA ADVOCACY

In 2017, West Virginia took an important step in protecting students with the passage of House Bill 2655, known as Grace’s Law. Named in memory of a student who tragically lost her life after being cyberbullied, the law made it a criminal offense to use electronic communication to harass, threaten, or intimidate another person. Grace’s Law expanded existing harassment statutes to include digital platforms such as social media, text messages, and other online communications—recognizing the growing impact of cyberbullying on student safety and well-being.

The West Virginia PTA played a key role in bringing attention to this issue and advocating for change. WV PTA worked directly with the co-sponsors of the bill, elevating the voices of families, raising awareness about the real and lasting harm caused by cyberbullying, and helping move this legislation forward. During the final push for the bill’s passage on the floor of the House of Representatives, WV PTA was recognized and thanked for its advocacy efforts in bringing attention to this important issue. Their work demonstrated the power of a united voice, showing how parents, educators, and community members can come together to create meaningful protections for children.